Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 match against Real Sociedad, leaving the tie in the balance after avoiding defeat for the eighth time in their last nine European away games in Spain.
United’s trip to the Reale Arena became even more important after their penalty shootout loss to Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday, meaning the Europa League was their only remaining chance to win a trophy and secure European qualification for next season. With added pressure, the Red Devils started well, with Alejandro Garnacho forcing goalkeeper Álex Remiro into action within the first 15 minutes. However, Real Sociedad looked more dangerous in the first half, coming close to scoring through Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee, who were both denied by Aritz Elustondo’s brilliant defending. As a result, United went into the break without scoring, making it the fifth time in six Europa League matches that they had failed to find the net in the first half.
After the break, United missed another opportunity when Garnacho fired the ball into the side-netting from a tight angle. However, their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when Zirkzee, receiving a pass from Garnacho, slotted the ball home from the edge of the box for his first Europa League goal. But United’s lead lasted only about 10 minutes before Mikel Oyarzabal equalised by sending goalkeeper André Onana the wrong way from the penalty spot after Bruno Fernandes was penalised for handball.
With momentum now on their side, Real Sociedad pressed for a second goal. Brais Méndez’s long-range shot forced Onana into a full-stretch save, and Orri Óskarsson missed a great chance when he shot wide after being set up by Sheraldo Becker. Óskarsson also forced Onana into another important save in stoppage time. Despite this, United held firm and managed to keep the score level until the final whistle, maintaining their unbeaten Europa League record this season ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
