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Manchester United 1 - Real Sociedad 0: Rooney inspired but United lacking cutting edge
WAYNE ROONEY dictated play for Manchester United but the Red Devils had an own-goal to thank for their 1-0 Champions League victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford this evening.
Rooney set the tempo for a quality performance, but United struggled to take advantage of their superiority on the scoresheet with Robin van Persie ruled out through injury.
United were, however, given a huge boost in just the second minute when Inigo Martinez turned the ball into his own net after a curling Rooney effort came back off the post.
A dominant United were forcing Real Sociedad to give the ball away cheaply, and both Javier Hernandez and Rooney threatened to extend the hosts' lead, with the Mexican having a goal ruled out for offside in the 20th minute.
Antoine Griezmann threatened to make United pay for not taking greater advantage near the end of the first-half but his excellent free-kick hit the bar.
The visitors started the second spell brighter and were unlucky not to have an equaliser when Jonny Evans sliced an awkward clearance over his own crossbar in the 52nd minute and David Zurutuza hit the bar with a rising shot six minutes later.
But United fought back, with Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Rooney all testing Claudio Bravo, before Valencia hit the post for the home side in the 63rd minute.
United's second-half attacks lacked the potency of their play in the first half, aside from occasional flashes of Rooney inspiration, but a single goal, scored by their opposition, was enough for David Moyes' side on the night.
The result leaves United top of their Champions League group ahead of Shaktar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen.