Manchester United took on Real Sociedad on Thursday for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.
After an unbeaten league phase, Manchester United are now in the knockout stage of the Europa League and began the route to the final against Real Sociedad.
After a nervy first half, United took the lead in the second half when Joshua Zirkzee scored his sixth goal of the season thanks to an assist from Alejandro Garnacho.
It was a deserved goal, as United defended well and had plenty of chances going forward meaning it should have been far more than just 1-0 at the time.
Sociedad got back into it in the 70th minute, converting a penalty conceded after Bruno Fernandes‘ handball.
This was how the game ended as United drew 1-1 with Sociedad.
Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee continues to grow into Manchester United shirt
After a disastrous start to life in Manchester, which saw Old Trafford cheer his exit from the pitch as a low point, Zirkzee has slowly been growing into the shirt.
This trend continued for Zirkzee on Thursday night with an impressive display against Real Sociedad.
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Zirkzee got his sixth goal of the season with a goal which the goalkeeper should have saved, but it was a timely confidence boost for the Dutchman.
He has become one of Amorim’s main men.
Diogo Dalot upgrade needed this summer
One of the most obvious issues to emerge from the game was a clear reminder of the need for United to upgrade on Diogo Dalot this summer.
It was the 19th minute of the game and a quick break saw United in a two on two situation with Dalot on the ball down the right. All the full-back had to do was roll it across to Hojlund who was onside and had beaten the defender already.
Instead, Dalot waited too late, turned around and passed it backwards, killing the move. This instance is not an isolated incident and emphasises the difference between a full-back and a wing-back and Hojlund was visibly annoyed.
Amorim needs a player like Geovany Quenda or Roger Fernandes in the summer, it would take this team to the next level.
Casemiro rolls back the years for United
Casemiro was back in Spain on Thursday night, where he spent the majority of his playing career for Real Madrid.
Against a familiar opponent and similar tempo, the Brazilian looked like a different player from the one who had been frustrating fans for most of the past 18 months.
Casemiro was winning countless duels, dominating the midfield battle and benefitting from the slower tempo that Sociedad were playing at.
Manchester United set themselves up well for second leg
In Europe, the first leg being played away from home means avoiding defeat at all costs and bringing a decent result back to Old Trafford next week.
United managed this on Thursday night, holding Sociedad to a 1-1 draw which can be considered a good result, with the performance deserving a lot more.
Now, United need to finish the tie-off next week with the home support behind them. But Amorim is well placed.
Ruben Amorim will be pleased with United’s display
Despite failing to win, the performance from United will have given Amorim plenty of reasons to be encouraged that his team are finally starting to figure out his system.
United had the bulk of chances and with better finishing and decision-making, the game could have been put to bed in the first-half.
This season is all about United adapting to Amorim and preparing for 2025/26. So with positive signs, fans can begin to see the idea and what to expect in the future under the head coach.