Brais Mendez’s penalty was enough for Real Sociedad to clinch three points against Manchester United in the Europa League last night.
Manchester United’s Europa League opener went ahead as planned following direction from UEFA, with the Queen’s death overshadowing Real Sociedad’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
SOCIEDAD LEAD AT OLD TRAFFORD! 🔵⚪️
Brais Mendez from the penalty spot!#MUNRSO | #UEL pic.twitter.com/LxhPY6br0g
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 8, 2022
Both teams wore black armbands, and the advertising boards were turned black. On top of that, no music was played.
However, post-match media duties were cancelled so Erik ten Hag didn’t host a press conference, and there won’t be any games in the Premier League this weekend.
Real Sociedad took the lead in the 59th-minute as Mendez converted a penalty following a controversial handball decision against Lisandro Martinez. It proved to be the deciding goal and saw United’s four-match winning run come to an end.
Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, Damien Delaney said: “I don’t think it’s a penalty in any rulebook!”
"I don't think it's a penalty in any rulebook!"
Damien Delaney on the winner at Old Trafford.#MUNRSO | #UEL pic.twitter.com/w1jdpcBsUO
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 8, 2022
SN’s verdict
I don’t think it was a penalty because the ball initially hits Martinez’s knee before bouncing off his arm. Even though VAR intervened, the penalty decision stuck.
You will always get decisions like this against you in Europe.
It’s been happening to United for years.
