Manchester United played out a drab 0-0 with Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with the home side knowing their place in the last 16 of the Europa League was already assured following their 4-0 win in the first leg.

The visitors were handed a glorious opportunity to give themselves an unlikely lifeline when Daniel James conceded an early penalty, but Mikel Oyarzabal inexplicably fired his spot kick over the bar.

Approaching the final 20 at Old Trafford.

Axel Tuanzebe found the back of the net earlier on, but his header was ruled out after a VAR review.

? #MUFC
? #UEL pic.twitter.com/PeN2bU7xSE

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2021

The second half started a little more brightly than the first, and the home side thought they’d taken the lead shortly after the hour mark when Axel Tuanzebe powered home a header from Alex Telles‘ corner, only for the referee to rule out the goal for Victor Lindelof’s challenge in the build-up following a VAR check.

Both sides seemed content to knock the ball around for the last half hour or so as United played out a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win.

Let’s get to those United player ratings.

Dean Henderson (GK) – 6/10 – We can’t stress this enough – did absolutely nothing. Through no fault of his own, the visitors just couldn’t lay a glove on United.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 6/10 – Solid defensively as we’ve come to expect, but also looks to be attempting to add more attacking intent to his game. Plenty of work to do on his quality in the final third but appears to be progressing well.

Victor Lindelof (CB) – 6/10 – Did what he had to do but was rarely tested in truth. Committed the foul which led to Tuanzebe’s goal being disallowed but would be harsh to criticise him for it.

Eric Bailly (CB) – 7/10 – Your heart still sinks every time he tries a stepover on the edge of his own box, but everything he did seemed to come off on the night. Strong, pacy and used all of his physical attributes to good effect.

Alex Telles (LB) – 7/10 – Noted more for his attacking qualities than his defensive game, but he defended very well whenever he was called upon. Offered an outlet down the United left and did his best to stretch the game.

Fred (CM) – 8/10 – Drove at the Real Sociedad midfield and constantly looked to carry his side further up the field. Clearly given a little more license to roam by his manager given the circumstances and he looked to relish the role.

Nemanja Matic (CM) – 6/10 – Sat at the base of the midfield and mopped up anything that came his way. Recycled possession well and basically just did what he does.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 6/10 – Struck the crossbar in the first half with a nice curling effort. Did plenty of work off the ball for the team but just didn’t have the sort of influence on the game we’ve come to expect from him.

Daniel James (RW) – 6/10 – Conceded a penalty in the first half but also nearly handed United the lead with a decent headed effort. Hobbled off midway through the second half after an industrious, if not spectacular, performance.

Anthony Martial (CF) – 5/10 – Just looks off the pace at the moment. The Frenchman was clearly desperate to involve himself in the play but his touch just wasn’t quite there and he endured another frustrating night. Bring back the Anthony Martial of old.

Mason Greenwood (LW) – 6/10 – Always looks lethal chopping onto either his left or his right and was unlucky not to open the scoring in the second half. Enduring something of a barren season given his form at the back end of the last campaign but his work rate can’t be knocked.

? Ole makes a fourth change, with @Daniel_James_97 withdrawn.

On comes @AmadDiallo_19 to make his OT bow ?

? #MUFC
? #UEL pic.twitter.com/JAvCLmtCdp

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2021

Axel Tuanzebe (CB) – 6/10

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 7/10

Brandon Williams (LB) – 5/10

Amad Diallo (RW) – 6/10

Shola Shoretire (AM) – 6/10