Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Review
Manchester United ended up with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 matchup against Real Sociedad. The Red Devils started the match positively, with Alejandro Garnacho testing Álex Remiro in the first 15 minutes in San Sebastián. Ruben Amorim’s team posed a greater threat during the first half, coming close to scoring through Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee, who were both thwarted in quick succession by Aritz Elustondo’s impressive defending, leaving the visitors scoreless at halftime for the fifth time in six UEL matches.
United missed another opportunity right after the restart when Garnacho shot into the side-netting from a tight angle. However, their determination finally paid off just before the hour mark, as Joshua Zirkzee scored from the edge of the box after receiving a cutback from Garnacho. Zirkzee’s first goal in the UEFA Europa League gave his team a lead for a little over 10 minutes, until Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty, sending André Onana the wrong way after Bruno Fernandes was called for a handball. With the momentum on their side, the hosts looked to send United back to England empty-handed.
Brais Méndez’s long-range shot forced a full-stretch save from Onana, and Orri Óskarsson missed a golden opportunity by shooting wide after being set up by Sheraldo Becker. Óskarsson also made Onana work with a vital save in stoppage time, but the Premier League side managed to hold on for a draw until the final whistle, keeping their unbeaten record in the Europa League this season ahead of next week’s return leg at Old Trafford.
