Manchester United were left to rue missed chances as they drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad to leave the tie open heading back to Old Trafford.
Man Utd started well and kept Real Sociedad mostly at bay without breaking a sweat, but their finishing problems remained, either by missing the final pass or fluffing their shot.
It ensured the first half was goalless despite a late surge from Sociedad. United kept plugging away in the second half and were finally rewarded.
Garnacho finally found Zirkzee from out wide and the Dutchman coolly finished past Alex Remiro from the edge of the box.
United seemed like they’d finish with a win in a serene game, but it’s never simple with the club as Bruno Fernandes was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Sociedad came back out of nowhere.
They rode that wave of momentum to threaten a turnaround but neither team was too convincing as the game finished 1-1.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Here’s how the players rated-
Found some groove and confidence with slick touches on the ball. Not troubled in goal.
Comfortable and calm. Rarely needed desperate intervention.
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Repelled Sociedad’s late surge in the first half and had some important interventions in the second.
Same as Mazraoui. Started on the right this time.
Hojlund went ballistic at him for missing a clear pass early on. Found Fernandes later but nowhere near consistent enough.
First-time crosses created havoc but became increasingly sloppy as the game went on.
Let down his lofty standards by missing from Dalot’s cross in the first half. Harshly given penalty against him.
Loved being back in Spain away from the intensely physical Premier League.
Brilliant finish to give United the lead and loved having time on the ball to pick out his passes. Probably Amorim’s favourite now after a change of positions.
Guilty of going at it alone too many times but passed when it mattered as he assisted Zirkzee’s opener.
Made great runs and held the ball up well only to be ignored by his teammates this time.
Substitutes
Came on to thread the needle against Sociedad’s low block but ended up being in one himself.
Returned from injury with some careful minutes.
No standout moment after coming on late.