All in all, a tough win for United. They may have shot on goal many times, but apparently not sharp enough all those times. Now those matches at this stage of the tournament don't say much, as they are all group matches and there is little pressure on United's game. Real Sociedad will win this group, but the difference between Sheriff and United is 6 points and Sheriff will not make up for that in this group. The real thrill and excitement will only begin in the Knock Out phase. I hope we get some nice draws then.
It is also not normal for the Real Sociedad to top a group that Manchester United is, in Europa League not even Champions League. Manchester United has to win Real Sociedad in the return match and will be able to top the table. If they don't top the table the people from the Champions League like Barcelona will come and hit them and they will still be struggling to escape another problem. So it is better they to the table and just be safe.
i think that it doesn't matter if Man Utd are going to finish first or second, because they should be able to beat every team they face in this tournament if they want to win it, and i've seen them play better against stronger teams, so Barca would be a very good test for them.
But with the current condition of Manchester United's players, it is clear that they have to achieve first position and like it or not, they have to beat Sociedad.
They are indeed comfortable in 2nd place now but of course Ten Hag doesn't want this to be too comfortable if you see Sociedad from a player perspective clearly below them.