By Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in Europe for Manchester United. However, the Red Devils were held to a draw by Real Sociedad. This result left their Europa League last-16 tie in the balance.
Dutch forward Zirkzee deservedly put the visitors ahead in Spain. He scored 12 minutes into the second half with a low strike from the edge of the box. The shot caught out home goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
But Real Sociedad equalised. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty. The penalty was awarded after a review by the video assistant referee for a handball by Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United will feel disappointed not to have won. They dominated the game for almost an hour. Andre Onana did not have a save to make before the hosts were given the penalty.
Aritz Elustondo cleared a goal-bound strike from Fernandes off the line in the first half. The United captain also sent a free-kick just wide.
Real Sociedad’s equaliser seemed to unsettle Manchester United. Onana had to dive to his right to palm away Brais Mendez’s 25-yard curler. Then, Orri Oskarsson prodded wide from close range.
Oskarsson had a chance to win it deep into added time. Onana pushed away his goalbound effort with a strong left hand.
“I am sure of one thing. They’re anxious to score goals. They want to win games,” said Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.
They are doing their best. Sometimes, they want to do even better. However, they’re not deciding the best way in their position. The second leg will take place at Old Trafford on Thursday, 13 March.
Trophy hopes remain alive for Man Utd
Despite the disappointment of conceding an equaliser, Manchester United will feel confident of progressing to the quarter-finals on home soil.
The pressure will be on them as they aim to maintain their only path to trophy success this season. Last Sunday’s penalty shootout loss to Fulham in the FA Cup ended their hopes of any domestic glory.
This campaign has been hugely disappointing. However, the Europa League has been the one shining light for Manchester United.
They have not lost a game in Europe this season. They have recorded five wins and four draws. Only Galatasaray (19), Lazio, and Tottenham Hotspur (both 17) scored more goals than their 16 in the League Phase.
This was an unusual encounter. They looked so comfortable for so long. However, they could easily have succumbed to defeat. Real Sociedad’s penalty changed the momentum of the game.
If Real Sociedad goes out in a week’s time, then Oskarsson will rue his late opportunities in this game. There is no doubt about it.
Onana made a good save to deny his strike from a narrow angle in added time. However, the Icelandic forward should have scored his big chance a few minutes earlier. He toe-poked wide from six yards when in the middle of the goal.
