Giggs Is A Rejuvenated Midfielder, Despite His Greying Hair

The Spanish press have lauded the performance of Manchester United against Real Sociedad in last night's Champions League group stage clash, pinpointing Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs as key players in the side's European success.

Marca labelled the stage for the match location the 'theatre of broken dreams' for Sociedad as the Spanish side fell to their third straight loss in the European tournament.

The club stand little chance of recovering now to progress into the round of 16 while United were able to turn around their poor league form with a win thanks to an own goal by Inigo Martinez in the second minute.

Angel Liceras wrote for the paper: "The game was a test of character, one which Real failed due to awe of the occasion and the aura of greatness surrounding United.

"The English side smelled blood in the water and took the game to Real, a nightmare for the more that 6,000 Basque fans in the stands."

While it was officially Sociedad who scored the only goal in the game Wayne Rooney was widely credited with contributing to the goal as the striker came painstakingly close to scoring before the ball was unfortunately stabbed home by Martinez.

Meanwhlie Mundo Deportivo were shocked at the brilliant performance of Ryan Giggs, who they pointed out is nearly five years older than Sociedad manager Jagoba Arrasate.

The paper claimed that he has beaten the odds to look rejuvenated at a midfielder, despite his greying hair, but were equally positive over Rooney's performance and contribution to a goal which served as a 'tragedy' for Sociedad.

Basque paper Deia claimed that United hardly noticed the absence of the prolific Robin van Persie as the side took advantage of Sociedad's 'stage fright'. Deportes Futbol also claimed that United were unlucky not to have scored a second goal before the final whistle all but sealing Sociedad's exit from the competition.

Manager Arrasate has however insisted that the side still have a lot to play for in their final three Champions League games with Europa League beckoning for the side if they finish third.