Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: 6 Things We Learned

Manchester United moved top of their Champions League group with a narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

It was another nervous night for David Moyes, who could have seen his side suffer a second disappointing home result in a week had the Spaniards not missed one or two good chances.

United, however, were by far the better team and a win in San Sebastian in two weeks' time should all but guarantee Champions League football after Christmas.

Moyes will be concerned that, like on Saturday against Southampton, United couldn't finish Sociedad off and left themselves vulnerable to a smash and grab.

But there were plenty of positives as well, especially Shinji Kagawa's performance.

Wayne Rooney Is United's Star Man

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Wayne Rooney was left in Robin van Persie's shadow last season as the Dutchman scored goal after goal.

It ended in Rooney being played out of position and the England striker reportedly pushing for a move away.

But despite a summer of uncertainty, he's been United's main attacking threat so far this season. 

He was the difference against Real Sociedad, twisting and turning his way into the penalty area in the second minute before hitting the post and watching the rebound end up in the net.

Shinji Kagawa Should Start More Games

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Shinji Kagawa had only started three times this season before he was picked against Real Sociedad.

He's not a left-sided midfielder, but even there he looked the most likely to set up or score what would have been a decisive second goal.

When he was pushed inside in the hole behind Rooney after Ashley Young came on, he looked like the player that became a cult hero at Borussia Dortmund.

He should have scored himself when Rooney handed him a chance on a plate, but if that performance doesn't convince Moyes to make him more of a central figure, nothing will.

United Can Cope Without Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand

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Injuries to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand has forced Moyes to look to the future.

And it was Jonny Evans and Phil Jones who got the nod against Southampton and Real Sociedad to make a case to be considered long-term successors.

Sociedad weren't up to much but the pair hardly put a foot wrong. 

Evans especially looks to be relishing the role of senior man, barking orders and organising the rest of his back four for the whole 90 minutes.

Ferdinand and Vidic were Moyes' chosen two at the start of the season, but the United manager might be forced to reconsider.

Antonio Valencia Is Slowly Getting Back to His Best

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Last season was a disaster for Antonio Valencia. It convinced him to ditch his new No. 7 shirt and ask the club to give him back his old No. 25.

It was a mystifying fall from grace after cleaning up at the end of season awards two years ago.

He's endured a stop-start season so far this campaign but against Real Sociedad, there were glimpses of his old form.

He looked quick and direct, two qualities that made him the first name on the team sheet two seasons ago.

He should have had a goal in the second half, and would have but for the inside of the post.

The 'Moyes Out' Campaigners Don't Go to Games

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It's been a difficult start for United's new manager.

Southampton's late equaliser on Saturday meant David Moyes has won just one home game in the Premier League all season.

It also sent the 'Moyes Out' brigade into overdrive on Twitter and Facebook.

But the fans inside Old Trafford on Wednesday night were nothing but supportive of Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement.

A chant of 'Moyesy, Moyesy, give us a wave' in the second half was even greeted with a sheepish flick of the arm from the new man.

The Singing Section Is a Good Idea

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United trialled a singing section against Real Sociedad. Anything under that name is always going to have its critics but any attempt to improve the atmosphere at Old Trafford should be applauded.

And the 2,000 fans in the Scoreboard Paddock did their bit, going through the full repertoire of songs from the first whistle to the last.

Provided the stewards and police don't report any problems, it's something the club should revisit on a more permanent basis.