Manchester United battled to a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring before a late penalty denied them victory. The match at Anoeta Stadium was defined by two crucial hand movements Bruno Fernandes’ handball that led to Sociedad’s equalizer and André Onana’s brilliant save that preserved the draw.
United took the lead when Zirkzee guided a precise side-footed shot past Alex Remiro, putting the visitors in control. They looked poised to extend their advantage, but a VAR intervention spotted Fernandes’ handball inside the box, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to level from the spot with 20 minutes left. Sociedad then pushed hard for a winner, and in the dying moments, Onana produced a stunning save to deny Orri Óskarsson.
The result leaves United with mixed feelings. While they avoided defeat, their struggles in front of goal remain a concern. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted as much, stating that his team needs to be more clinical. He pointed out their ability to create opportunities but noted that hesitation and poor decision-making cost them additional goals. He also highlighted signs of fatigue in the final stages, where Sociedad gained momentum.
The game’s early exchanges lacked rhythm, with both sides struggling to find fluidity. United were forced into long balls, and Fernandes at one point expressed frustration over a lack of movement. Sociedad dominated possession without creating much danger, leading to a slow and cautious first half. When Beñat Turrientes scuffed a weak shot wide, even the referee seemed impatient, urging Onana to speed up play.
United’s best moments came in transitions. Noussair Mazraoui’s pass released Diogo Dalot down the right, but his decision to turn back rather than play an early ball to Rasmus Højlund wasted a promising attack. The frustration was evident as Højlund reacted angrily. Later, a clever sequence involving Fernandes and Zirkzee set up Patrick Dorgu, but his delivery across the box went unfinished.
After the break, United began to carve out clearer openings. Fernandes had a shot blocked, Zirkzee saw two efforts miss the target in quick succession, and Dalot’s header was comfortably gathered by Remiro. The breakthrough finally came when Garnacho’s quick footwork allowed him to tee up Zirkzee, who finished smoothly through Turrientes’ legs.
Garnacho remained lively, striking the side netting twice in quick succession. United seemed in control and close to a second goal, but the match turned when VAR spotted Fernandes’ handball. Oyarzabal converted the penalty emphatically, and Sociedad suddenly found new energy.
The home side pressed forward, with Sheraldo Becker and Óskarsson leading the charge. Onana was called into action to keep out a fierce shot from Brais Méndez, and moments later, Óskarsson missed a golden opportunity from six yards. Sociedad kept pushing, and deep into stoppage time, Oyarzabal’s pass put Óskarsson through again, but Onana’s reflex save ensured United held on for the draw.
While United return to Old Trafford level, their lack of cutting edge remains a concern. The second leg will demand a more ruthless approach if they hope to progress further.
