Manchester United left San Sebastián with a result that could have been better and could have been worse.
Joshua Zirkzee’s composed finish put them ahead in the second half, and for a while, it looked like they could take control of the tie. But a moment of carelessness from Bruno Fernandes handed Real Sociedad a way back, and Mikel Oyarzabal took full advantage from the penalty spot.
A 1-1 draw means the job is unfinished. Andre Onana’s reflexes ensured United did not leave empty-handed, but Ruben Amorim’s side should not have let it come to that.
The manager acknowledged United’s failure to kill the game. “It is clear we have to be more clinical,” he said. “Sometimes we are missing something.”
They had control for long stretches, moving the ball well and finding spaces, but when the moments arrived, they lacked sharpness.
Alejandro Garnacho hit the side netting twice. Fernandes and Zirkzee had efforts blocked. Rasmus Hojlund was left fuming when Diogo Dalot slowed an attack instead of delivering an early cross.
Amorim pointed to anxiousness in the final third. “They are doing all their best, but sometimes they are not deciding the best way,” he said. “The important thing is to move on and into the next opportunity.”
United were in charge before the penalty. Garnacho, Fernandes, and Zirkzee had Sociedad on edge, and the home crowd knew it. “You could feel the stadium was nervous,” Amorim said. “But the penalty changed it.”
The momentum shift was clear. Sociedad, ineffective for much of the game, suddenly came alive. Substitute Sheraldo Becker stretched United’s tired legs. Onana had to react sharply to deny Brais Mendez before Orri Oskarsson missed a golden chance from close range.
Then, deep in stoppage time, the same combination nearly struck again. Becker’s delivery found Oskarsson in the box, but Onana made a stunning save to deny him.
United now take this result back to Old Trafford. Amorim remains optimistic but knows improvement is needed. “We take the game to Old Trafford, and we will try to win there,” he said.
The stakes are obvious. United’s Premier League struggles mean the Europa League is their best hope for silverware and Champions League qualification. They cannot afford another wasted opportunity.
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