Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash away in Spain.
The Red Devils were the better team in the first half, preventing their hosts from registering any of their three shots on target and Bruno Fernandes will feel he should have given his side the lead late on when his effort was blocked on the line.
United would take a deserved lead a little over 10 minutes into the second half through Joshua Zirkzeewho arrived late at the edge of the box and made the most of Alejandro Garnacho‘s cutback when he swept past Alex Remirothough the goalkeeper could have arguably done more to stop the shot.
However, Real Sociedad found their way back into the game after Fernandes was penalised in the box for a handball offence, and Mikel Oyarzabal struck his spot kick into the left of the net, sending Andre Onan the wrong way.
The game ended with neither side claiming victory, and both will hope to get the better of each other in the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
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Real Sociedad will not be overly disappointed by the draw given they were without Martin Zubimendi in midfield, but he is likely to be ready for the second leg as he was only absent as a result of a fever.
United will be similarly happy with the result considering the return leg is at Old Trafford, and if they perform similarly next Thursday, there is every chance that they could progress into the quarter-finals.
It should also be remembered that boss Ruben amorim‘s squad was severely weakened by injuries, with the Red Devils manager having named two goalkeepers on the bench.
REAL SOCIEDAD VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
41st min: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) chance
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Alejandro Garnacho plays to an overlapping Diogo Dalot on the left side of Real Sociedad’s box, and the defender fires a low cross to the penalty spot to Bruno Fernandes, who strikes but sees his effort blocked on the line before goalkeeper Alex Remiro excellently saves Joshua Zirkzee’s follow up.
How have United not scored?
Joshua Zirkzee goal vs. Real Sociedad (57th min, Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United)
United work the ball out wide on the right flank to Garnacho, who cuts a pass back to the edge of the box where Joshua Zirkzee arives unmarked before striking hard and low at the centre of goal.
That could be vital in this tie!
Mikel Oyarzabal goal vs. Manchester United (70th min, Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United)
Fernandes attempts to clear the ball with his head in his box but it strikes his arm and the referee awards a penalty following a VAR check, and Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake as he sends Andre Onana diving the wrong way.
A harsh penalty but Real Sociedad are level!
MAN OF THE MATCH – JOSHUA ZIRKZEE
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Joshua Zirkzee has not always found life at Manchester United easy, but he was pivotal for his side’s offensive displays on Thursday.
The forward not only scored the opening goal of the game, but he also linked play with wing-back Patrick Dorga and forward Garnacho, helping relieve pressure on his team and bring the play up the pitch.
REAL SOCIEDAD VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Sociedad 55%-45% Manchester United
Shots: Real Sociedad 13-13 Manchester United
Shots on target: Real Sociedad 3-5 Manchester United
Corners: Real Sociedad 6-2 Manchester United
Fouls: Real Sociedad 11-13 Manchester United
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Real Sociedad will host Sevilla on March 9 in La Liga before travelling to play United at Old Trafford on March 13 in the second leg.
As for the Red Devils, they face a difficult test against Arsenal at home in the Premier League on Sunday, and they will take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on March 16 following their second clash against Real Sociedad.
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