Sport Update: The Match: Reds held

The Match: Reds held

Here’s our detailed take on United’s 0-0 Champions League draw with Real Sociedad…

The Match Reds boss David Moyes summed it up best as a missed opportunity for United to take three vital points in the quest for qualification for the knockout stages. “We're in a strong position,” he said. “If we'd won tonight it would have given us a real, real chance of being the team to top the group. But we're still in a healthy position.” Ultimately, there wasn’t much to choose between the two sides, but substitute Robin van Persie’s missed penalty in the second half was United’s best chance of victory. Marouane Fellaini's late red card merely added to the frustration.
Star men This wasn’t a match of outstanding individual contributions, but MUTV pundits Lee Sharpe and David May chose Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Patrice Evra as their Man of the Match candidates. Before he was replaced in the second half, Rooney played a marauding free role, working all over the pitch to try to create openings, while Smalling and Evra had busy nights at full-back. Shinji Kagawa was also involved in many of United’s most dangerous attacks and deserves credit.
Sub-plots Ryan Giggs made his 950th club appearance, partnering Fellaini in the centre of United’s midfield. Elsewhere, in spite of continuing rainfall throughout the game, the Anoeta groundstaff watered the home side’s attacking half during the break, hoping presumably to add some zip to their play. Sadly, the game lacked exactly that