Manchester United drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Joshua Zirkzee had the Red Devils in front on 57 minutes with a side-footed effort after being set up by Alejandro Garnacho.
The home side were then awarded a fortuitous penalty with 20 minutes to go when VAR deemed that Bruno Fernandes had handled the ball whilst defending a corner.
Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the resultant spot-kick past Andre Onana to level things up.
The Spanish outfit got on top in the closing stages as United started to tire, with substitute Sheraldo Becker posing a particular threat to the visitors after his introduction.
However, the English side held out to come away with a draw, and we’ve put together five talking points from an intriguing clash in the Basque country.
Joshua Zirkzee’s form on an upward trajectory
It was another fine display from the Dutch forward, who started in an attacking midfield role alongside Garnacho behind Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee seems to be growing in confidence at the club, and this was evident in his link-play with teammates before bagging his sixth goal in a United shirt.
Hopefully, the Netherlands international will feel invigorated as he adapts to Manchester life following an expectedly troublesome transition period.
If the former Bologna man can keep delivering this output, he will soon become one of Ruben Amorim’s integral men in the final third.
Manchester United backline on top in Spain
The visiting back three performed admirably throughout the game and looked rock solid all evening, dealing well with La Real’s attacking threats.
The triumvirate of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui were all impressive for United – which was encouraging given the porous nature of the campaign thus far.
Yoro lined up on the right-hand side of the three, with De Ligt marshalling things in the middle – flanked by his former Bayern Munich teammate Mazraoui to the left.
With the Reds struggling defensively alongside a cruel injury to Lisandro Martinez, Amorim may well have found his best trio at the back for now.
Amorim requires a right-wing addition as a priority
One of the more frustrating aspects of the away side’s play was the on-ball deficiencies of Diogo Dalot.
The Portuguese defender certainly tries hard, and while he has good physical attributes, some of his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired.
His judgment to ignore a routine pass to an onrushing Hojlund early in the first half typified a forgettable evening for the Portuguese defender.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t an isolated incident, as Dalot gave the ball away cheaply on several occasions.
To be fair to the 25-year-old, he is more of an orthodox full-fack than a wing-back, and this is certainly clear to see on a game-to-game basis.
However, Amorim requires an upgrade in this position in the summer, with Geovany Quenda strongly linked with a move to Manchester.
United still unbeaten in Europe this season
While frustrating, the result was an eighth unbeaten outing in the Europa League for the men in red.
The 2017 competition winners played fairly well in Northern Spain and had better chances during the first hour of play.
Amorim will be relatively pleased with his side’s performance overall despite the hosts being handed a lifeline through a controversial penalty decision.
There were some encouraging signs, and United looked better adjusted to their new-look system with the addition of a specialist wing-back in Patrick Dorgu.
The Portuguese tactician will now hope his troops are finally starting to adapt to his methods.
All to play for at Old Trafford
This tie is now finely poised with everything to play for during next Thursday’s outing in the North West.
It is crucial to avoid defeat when away from home in Europe, and United achieved this on Thursday evening. Whilst the performance deserved a lot more, a disgruntled support can still feel satisfied.
The Premier League giants will aim to harness a home advantage in the second leg, roared on by a partisan Mancunian crowd.
Hopefully, they can get the job done.
What did you make of Manchester United’s draw with Real Sociedad? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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