Arsenal defeats Zurich, Cristiano Ronaldo-led Manchester United loses in Europa League

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Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting lineup but Real Sociedad still upset Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in their Europa League opener on Thursday.

After failing to secure a transfer to a Champions League club, the star striker had to settle for playing in Europe’s second-tier competition for the first time since 2002 with Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo had last started in a 4-0 loss to Brentford on Aug. 13 before United chalked up four consecutive victories in the Premier League. United manager Erik ten Hag had used the Portugal star off the bench during the winning streak.

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Manchester United players observe a minute of silence following the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of the group E Europa League soccer match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Before their opening group stage game, a minute of silence was held to pay respect to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 on Thursday.

Both teams wore black armbands, and the flags at Old Trafford were at half-mast.

"The club recognizes her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world," United said in a statement.

Brazilian teenager Marquinhos marked his Arsenal debut by scoring the opening goal and setting up a second in a 2-1 victory over Zurich in the opening group stage match.

Eddie Nketiah scored the winner after Zurich equalized from a penalty awarded due to his foul as Arsenal rebounded from Sunday’s 3-1 loss to United — their first