By the time an out-of-sorts Antony was taken off in the second half, it felt like Erik ten Hag was doing him a favour.
Antony was never going to stay on the high of his debut against Arsenal last weekend, but such a drastic dip in performance level less than a week later in a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad was nonetheless jarring.
The Brazilian newcomer and Cristiano Ronaldo were among the lead culprits in the deflating Europa League outcome Thursday, reminding Ten Hag of the work he still has to do.
David Silva came back to haunt the Red Devils – albeit in controversial fashion – as the ex-Manchester City star won a second-half penalty when his shot struck the arm of Lisandro Martinez. Brais Mendez then stepped up to convert from the spot.
Manchester United had won four games in succession in the Premier League.
Now they can see that it'll be a process to embed Antony into their system, while they face fresh questions over whether Cristiano Ronaldo can thrive under Ten Hag, with the 37-year-old failing to convert two gilt-edged chances.
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Casemiro:
Ever so quietly, the Brazilian gave a glimpse of the assuredness he will bring to Manchester United's midfield.
His efficient use of the ball is something they have missed – while his disguised passes repeatedly put Manchester United on the front foot in the first half.
He was less effective when Christian Eriksen was replaced at half-time, but there were signs of what the pair will be able to do as a partnership.
By no means was it a towering full debut – but it is already apparent that he will be a fixture in this midfield.
David Silva:
On his return to Manchester, the Spanish magician was pivotal to this win, with his shot hitting the arm of Martinez in the box and prompting referee Marco Di Bello to point to the spot.
Mendez duly fired home the only goal of the match.
In truth, Silva was largely subdued, but it will have been particularly satisfying for him to silence the red half of the city.
Christian Eriksen:
Manchester United noticeably worsened when he went off.
It would have been interesting to see what he might have done if played in the No. 10 role – but even from a deeper position, he managed to thread passes through Real Sociedad's defence.
Manchester United's lack of threat after the break confirmed how vital he is to them.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Finally handed his first start since that 4-0 defeat at Brentford – but this was a match that will raise further questions about his suitability to Ten Hag's system.
It wasn't that the Portuguese was unwilling to fit into Manchester United's pressing game. It is rather a question of what that takes away from his natural qualities.
Ronaldo is one of the deadliest goal scorers of all time – yet it was notable just how uncertain he was when in the box.
He was fractions away from making contact with an Eriksen cross early on. Then he was guilty of mis-controlling a through-ball from the same player. A brilliant header looked to have given Manchester United the lead – but he needed to be in an offside position to get there. Then, in the second half, he failed to convert another header from close range after Bruno Fernandes' perfect cross.
If allowed to concentrate solely on finding space in the box, would he be more decisive?
This is what Ten Hag must ask himself.
Fred at No. 10:
The decision to play the Brazilian furthest forward in the first half was a peculiar one from Ten Hag – especially ahead of Eriksen.
While he pressed and worked hard behind Ronaldo, his use of the ball was nowhere near good enough in that role.
Too often his passing was loose, causing to Manchester United to concede possession.
He dropped deeper when Fernandes came on for the second half, where he should have been all along.
Antony:
This was some come down after his heroics against Arsenal.
Antony played on the periphery throughout – seemingly more concerned about Aihen Munoz' threat than hurting Sociedad himself.
He didn't look fit enough to burst into the danger zone, while his use of the ball rarely looked like opening up the visitors.
By the time he was taken off in the second half, it felt like mercy from his manager.
Getty ImagesManchester United Ratings: Defence
David de Gea (6/10):
Could not keep out Mendez' penalty. Did everything else asked of him.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
His first-half cross saw Ronaldo thunder a header home – but the offside flag ruled it out.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Chosen on the right when he usually plays left when alongside Lindelof. This was a solid step forward for the Manchester United captain.
Victor Lindelof (6/10):
Won some important headers in the first half and was disciplined when switched to right-back after the break.
Tyrell Malacia (7/10):
Early burst forward was a sign of intent and he constantly forced Real Sociedad into retreat.
Getty ImagesMidfield
Casemiro (7/10):
Known for destructive qualities, but so efficient with his use of the ball and repeatedly played through Real Sociedad's midfield.
Christian Eriksen (7/10):
The player most likely to cut Real Sociedad open in the first half. One cross to Ronaldo was almost perfect – and then another through ball deserved a finish from the Portuguese forward.
Fred (5/10):
Started in the No. 10 position and never looked comfortable there. Simply does not have the accuracy to play in such a creative role.
