United Beyond Manchester

Despite playing the better football, Manchester United failed to win in San Sebastian in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16. However, the performance and result will leave the Reds feeling good about their chances next week at Old Trafford.

Match Flow

The first opportunity for the away side fell to Alejandro Garnacho, but the Argentine winger only found the hands of Alex Remiro after cutting inside and firing.

Manchester United created the best chance of the first half in the 36th minute. Smart play around the box provided Bruno Fernandes a fantastic opportunity that the hosts cleared off the line. Zirkzee had a half chance at a follow-up effort, but his flick went wide.

While United created several chances, Real Sociedad failed to threaten Andre Onana’s goal in the opening half. Despite having 61% of the possession, the hosts only had three shots, with zero on target, while Amorim’s men forced two saves on seven shots.

Just before the hour mark, Manchester United made the attacking pressure count. Alejandro Garnacho worked himself into a crossing position on the right and found Zirkzee at the top of the box. The Dutch striker hit the ball hard and low with his right foot, wrongfooting the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net.

Real Sociedad were given a gift through a Bruno Fernandes handball in the box in the 70th minute. After a VAR review, Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up for the hosts and dispatched a penalty to level the match.

After scoring, the hosts began causing United’s defense problems. Orri Steinn Óskarsson saw a massive opportunity go begging when he mishit his finish with less than ten minutes to go. Sheraldo Becker played the young forward in perfectly but he made a mess of the chance.

A flurry of late attacks by both sides failed to produce a winner, and the match finished 1-1, leaving the tie level ahead of the second leg next week.

Analysis

Ruben Amorim’s tactics to use his wing-backs to get in behind caused Sociedad problems in the first half. Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot made several fantastic runs early, which opened space for players centrally. Disappointingly, United did not make those early chances count but did find something that can be used in games going forward.

Manchester United’s defense continues to look improved, headlined by the play of Matthijs De Ligt. The Dutch defender has been excellent recently and put in another shift in Spain. Consistency in the back will be key for the Reds down the stretch, and De Ligt will be central to that.

Next Match

Manchester United host second-place Arsenal on Sunday in a match that will not only be marked by the play on the pitch but also the protest against the Glazers off it. The Reds will then host the second leg of the Europa League tie at Old Trafford next Thursday with all to play for.