Arrasate praises hard working Sociedad

Real Sociedad manager Jagoba Arrasate praised his side’s work ethic after they held on for a 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Tuesday.

The point represents Sociedad’s first of their Group A campaign, and keeps their hopes of reaching the last 16 narrowly alive.

Sociedad created two good opportunities during the match but saw Imanol Agirretxe and Carlos Vela waste chances without testing David de Gea.

Arrasate’s side had to survive plenty of pressure from United in the second half, and they rode their luck as Robin van Persie missed a penalty but the 35-year-old felt they deserved their point.

“I congratulated my players,” he said. “They are on their knees after putting in a huge effort.

“When the team gives its all like that, you can only salute them.

“The point will help us to strengthen but we would have preferred to have played a little better.”

Sociedad must win their remaining games with Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk handsomely and hope both lose to United in order to reach the last 16.