Rooney creates more chances than Sociedad as he drives United closer to qualification

David Moyes’ Manchester United might not be having a great time domestically this term, but they continued their unbeaten start in the UEFA Champions League competition with a close but comprehensive victory over Spanish side Real Sociedad. Inigo Martinez’s own goal via a Wayne Rooney effort allowed the hosts to gain an early 1-0 lead on the night, and while both teams had other opportunities on the night, the scorers would not be troubled again.

Man United – Real Sociedad Stats

United showed their dominance in attack on the night with double the total shots compared to their opponents and five more shots on target than Sociedad also. They held more possession and finished with a higher pass completion percentage also, but Moyes will not be necessarily all that impressed with the fact that just 80% of their passes found the mark.

United were also behind their opponents in terms of tackle success rate, which won’t have pleased the manager.

Wayne Rooney Man of The Match

With Robin van Persie out of the starting side, much of the attacking responsibility fell on Wayne Rooney’s shoulders, with the Englishman stepping up for the Red Devils.

His effort in the first few minutes which brought about the first goal, and he proved to be a real problem for Sociedad all night—popping up right across the attacking half as his Individual Heat Map shows below. Rooney produced eight shots and completed four successful take-ons as well, which was more than the whole La Real side.

Wayne Rooney Heat Map v Sociedad

Furthermore, Rooney was fantastic on the creative front too. The 28-year-old created four chances, which was more than the whole Sociedad team, who created two chances.

Wayne Rooney Key Passes v Real Sociedad

Performance Score: Man United – Sociedad Stats

What’s interesting, despite taking the lead after just a few minutes, Manchester United really didn’t establish any control in terms of the Performance Score until around half-time. The Red Devils were less than 60 points ahead of Sociedad at the 35th minute mark (despite leading 1-0 and having most of the chances), but that margin quickly blew out to 135 points by half-time.

The Spaniards would bridge that gap slightly after the break, but once United’s defence found their composure again, Sociedad struggled to gain control and finished 323 points behind United.

Key Observations:

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans might not be the most regular starting combination at the back for Manchester United, but both were very solid in this one—allowing just one shot on target from the visitors and forcing a number of key errors from the opponent. Between them, they accounted for three tackles, six headed duels, seven interceptions, 22 clearances and completed over 85% of their attempted passes. This stability gave United’s midfield the platform they needed to succeed.

Phil Jones Aerial Duels v Sociedad

For Sociedad, they were simply far too predictable in attack. The vast proportion of their attack came down United’s right (their left), and made it very easy for the Red Devils’ defence to read. Furthermore, despite most of their attacks coming down that flank, the Sociedad did not complete a single take-on on that side—winning zero of their five attempts down the left as opposed to four from their eight attempted down the right.

Sociedad Failed Take-Ons v Man United