Rúben Amorim has sent a three-word message to two of his Manchester United stars after “fighting” occurred against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.
Manchester United’s Europa League knockout tie with Real Sociedad remains evenly poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Joshua Zirkzee’s goal gave United the lead, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty ensured the hosts secured a draw.
United started well, dominating possession and dictating the tempo, but struggled to create clear chances. Their best opportunity of the first half came in the 37th minute when both Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes had efforts blocked on the line. Sociedad grew into the game but couldn’t make their pressure count before halftime.
United broke the deadlock early in the second half, with Zirkzee finishing from Alejandro Garnacho’s cut-back. However, Sociedad were awarded a penalty when Fernandes was penalised for handball, and Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot with 20 minutes to play.
Rúben Amorim introduced Christian Eriksen in search of control, but Sociedad looked the more dangerous in the closing stages. A crucial late save from André Onana ensured the tie remains level, setting up a decisive second leg at Old Trafford.
Fans fume after Dalot’s failed cross
While Zirkzee has garnered a lot of praise following his good finish and general performance in the Europa League, United right wing-back Diogo Dalot left fans fuming with an underwhelming performance.
More specifically, a moment in the first half was labelled “unacceptable” after the player chose not to play striker Ramsus Højlund a perfect crossing chance in the first half, which would have likely led to the clubs first goal in the first half from open play since 7 December.
“That’s not acceptable from Dalot,” TNT Sports commentator Robbie Savage said after the mobe broke down. “If I’m the manager I would be absolutely hammering him right now. What is going through Dalot’s mind there?
“You can see Højlund is in… pass it! That was the perfect opportunity for Man United and Højlund.”
Amorim’s three-word message to United duo
Immediately following the chance, Højlund was understandably aghast at Dalot’s decision-making, with the pair involved in a shouting match shortly after the opportunity as Højlund “went crazy” at Dalot.
Hojlund went crazy at Dalot for failing to pass to him when there was opportunity in that attack. Rightly so. Too often Dalot checks back rather than cross first-time. Hojlund also overlooked for a pass by Garnacho for his shot. #MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) March 6, 2025
However, Amorim sent a clear three-word message to the pair in his post-match press conference. “That is clear,” he stated as he called for the pair to move on from any “fighting” during the game.
Read More: “He didn’t…” Paul Scholes put in his place after slamming Manchester United star vs Real Sociedad
“We’re creating chances, but sometimes you don’t see it in the expected goals, because we manage not to shoot,” he continued. “But the great opportunities are there and you can see it. We have transitions, we have situations and sometimes we’re missing something.
“That can change something, especially in these kinds of games, when we need goals that can make a difference. I’m just imagining Diogo didn’t know for sure that Rasmus had the advantage and he felt that he had a lot of time to think of the play.
“It was a clear position, Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, but the decision was not the best. The important thing is to move on and not be fighting.”
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