Ten Hag leaning on positives after win over Sociedad

Erik ten Hag said "you don't always get what you deserve" after Manchester United beat Real Sociedad but failed in their bid to avoid a potentially tough Europa League knockout round play-off tie.

Already assured of progress from Group E, the second-placed Red Devils arrived in Spain knowing they needed to win by a two-goal margin to usurp the first-placed hosts and progress straight to the round of 16.

Teenager Alejandro Garnacho got them off to a superb start but United lost their way after half-time, with Ten Hag's alterations ineffective as La Real dug deep in a 1-0 defeat that means they topped the pool.

The Reds finish runners-up and will face one of the sides dropping out of the Champions League, with Barcelona, Juventus and Ten Hag's former club Ajax among the possible opponents in Monday's play-off draw.

"You don't always get what you deserve - that's football," said the United boss, whose side lost September's Group E opener 1-0 after Real converted a controversially-awarded penalty.

"When (in the) first leg you get a penalty that isn't a penalty... today we win, so I'm happy with that. I'm happy with some other things like the performance from Garnacho.

"Donny (van de Beek) back in the team. I think we make a really good goal with Garnacho, some good chances as well in the first half.

"We win today but of course we are disappointed we didn't score two goals because that is what we needed."

Ten Hag struck a philosophical rather than frustrated tone following Thursday's defeat in the Basque country, where Garnacho once again impressed.

The 18-year-old received a standing ovation following his first start against Sheriff Tiraspol last Thursday and opened his United account with an excellent goal in San Sebastian.

Ten Hag