Joshua Zirkzee's goal wasn't enough for Manchester United to beat Real Sociedad
Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee argued his team "lost it a bit" after his opener away to Real Sociedad.
The Dutch forward's goal gave United a chance to take a lead back to Old Trafford in their Europa League round of 16 match, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to find an equaliser. Oyarzabal's goal came from the penalty spot after Bruno Fernandes was penalised for handball, with the spot-kick awarded following a VAR check.
Real Sociedad has chances to win it late on, with Orri Oskarsson twice going close. First, the substitute poked an effort wide under pressure from Leny Yoro, and then he forced a big stoppage-time save from Andre Onana.
United faded badly in the closing stages, with head coach Ruben Amorim suggesting fatigue was to blame. After the game, though, Zirkzee attempted to find an explanation of his own for the late collapse.
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“If you see the way the stadium reacts to the penalty and the way they press after the goal they needed it," the former Bologna star said. "I feel like we can do better, remain calm and play the way we were. We lost it a bit after that."
He added: “There was more here for us tonight, we were unlucky with the penalty, I'm not sure what happened there. It shows we have to be relentless with our chances, we had enough of them. A draw away [is good], they have to come to Old Trafford.
“I think if you look at the chances, the opportunities we had and clear chances I think yes [we deserved more]. We’re playing against a good team, it’s not easy, but we should have had at least one more."
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United had the better opportunities for the opening hour, but Amorim recognised their opponents were on top as the game drew to a close. "“I think we played well until the penalty. But then the penalty, I think, changed a little bit the momentum of the game," he said.
The head coach also praised Zirkzee for his contribution. The Dutch international was the fall guy on Sunday when he saw a penalty saved in United's FA Cup elimination against Fulham, but he bounced back well.
“It is deserved because he's working really well," Amorim added. "He's improving in a lot of things in his game. He deserves this moment, and he was really important for us today.”
United will enjoy home advantage in the second leg, which takes place on March 13. Before then, though, they have the small matter of a Premier League game at home to Arsenal.
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