Joshua Zirkzee reflects on Manchester United’s draw against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday evening.
While the first half ended goalless, Manchester United deservedly got ahead when Joshua Zirkzee struck a shot the first time beyond Alex Remiro.
United looked comfortable until Real Sociedad were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes left on the clock. Bruno Fernandes was penalised by VAR for handball as Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot.
Ultimately, a 1-1 draw is not a bad result for United, and Andre Onana made a crucial save to deny Orri Oskarsson towards the end.
It’s all to play for when the two teams meet at Old Trafford next week.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee disappointed with draw against Real Sociedad
After taking the lead against Real Sociedad, it was disappointing to see United throw it away towards the end.
Zirkzee spoke to MUTV after the match and stressed that United’s first-team should be ‘disappointed’ to have drawn the game.
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United controlled most of the game but Sociedad gained momentum after their equaliser.
“I think disappointed, I think after they get the penalty, the game changes and we lose control. We didn’t play the same way we did before the penalty,” Zirkzee said.
“In the end, you can say 1-1 is fine and they have to come to our stadium, but I think we should feel a bit disappointed. We had the opportunities to create more chances and we created some chances, so the ball just has to go into the net and that’s what will help us. They get the penalty and it was unlucky.
“You just want to win the game. The goal was a relief, it’s what the team needed, so it was a great feeling. They’re a great team footballing-wise, even today they were great.”
Zirkzee scores first European goal for Manchester United
It was a long time coming but Zirkzee finally has a goal in Europe for United.
The Dutch international now has six goals in all competitions this season.
The goal came after 58 minutes when Zirkzee converted a pull-back from Alejandro Garnacho to put United on course to claim an important victory away from home in Europe.
Minutes played 88
Goals 1
Total shots 3
Accurate passes 21/27 (78%)
Touches 44
Touches in the opposition box 5
Passes into the final third 3
Tackles won 2/2 (100%)
Clearances 2
Defensive actions 9
Joshua Zirkzee stats vs Real Sociedad
It wasn’t to be but Zirkzee will hope he can add more goals to his tally before the end of the season.