Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of the first foot, after Bruno Fernandes gave a handball penalty.
Mikel Oyarzabal, the scorer of the target that broke the hearts of England in the Euro final against Spain, turned from the spot with 20 minutes as the game returned to his head after Joshua Zirkzee had given a United Awfered one in the second half earlier.
It is the Europa League or United’s bust this season and they responded well to the pressure, producing one of their best performances under Ruben Amorim and will feel disappointed to have not taken the lead in Manchester after the main chances.
Joshua Zirkzee is celebrating his opener at Real Sociedad
Bruno Fernandes gave a sentence late to Spain
United could only lead two in the first half, as Fernandes saw a shot clearing from the line and Diogo Dalot failed to finish the ball at Rasmus Hojlund in the six -tail box. The striker, now without a goal in 19 races, was properly furious with the wing.
Zirkzee helped Alex Remiro’s desperate goalkeeper for the opener. His specialized strike from the edge of the box was almost straight below the waist, but the Sociedad Shot-Stopper was out of position and unable to compose the lost ground.
Fernandes felt sad to give Sociedad a journey back 20 minutes to go, but his hand comes in contact with the ball as he fought for a header in the box and the right decision was made.
Oyarzabal’s sentence was Sociedad’s first shot at the game target, highlighting Dominance United at this stage. But they could lose it slowly, as Andre Onana was forced to save and Orri Oskarssson missed a great opportunity on the bench.
Amorim’s perfect record in this competition is over, but it can take some confidence in the second leg of next Thursday, as his side produced improved performance and caused socialdad problems.
Amorim: Penalty changed the momentum
Man boss Ruben Amorim Speaking to TNT Sports after the game:
“Until the sentence, we had control of the game and then the sentence changed the momentum.
“In the last 30 minutes. We were really tired and you could feel it in the game.
“That’s why we take it to Old Trafford and it will be a different game. The pressure will be on us on this stadium and we have to be ready.
“The key will survive physically for Sunday (against Arsenal) and will be ready and fresh for Thursday.”
Zirkzee: We must be relentless with our chances
The UTD man promotes Joshua Zirkzee by talking to TNT Sports:
“We were unlucky with the sentence. I’m not sure what happened there.
“It shows that we have to be relentless with our chances. We had enough of them today.
“After all, it’s a tie away. They have to come to Old Trafford.”
Asked if he felt that United was worth more than the game, Zirkzee added: “If you look at the odds. I think yes.
“Obviously we were playing against a good team, so it’s not easy, but we should at least had one more (target).”
Sociedad Boss: We are still alive in the tie
Real sociedad boss Imanol Sheriff said:
“We are very pleased with the way we fought during the race. We are still alive. We know it will be tough, but we have a lot of excitement.”
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