After the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup, the Europa League remains Manchester United’s last chance of silverware, and arguably even more importantly, it also allows United a route into the Champions League next season, something which could be invaluable for attracting players to the Amorim project, and of course the financial reward, and morale boost for fans and inside of the club amid a dreadful year. Standing in the way however lies Real Sociedad, a team not at their best point this season, but still with a lot of key players and capable of standout moments which can really hurt United, as we saw late on in the first leg tie. While United seemed comfortable for large periods of this clash, they couldn’t see out the result thanks once again to a mistake of their own making.

The result leaves the tie perfectly in the balance, and while United will be ruing their own errors letting Sociedad get back into the tie late on, going to Old Trafford with the scores level, United will be feeling confident of seeing this one through.

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Teams

Without wanting to repeat the same points around United’s selection headaches, they could only name a 7 person bench, with only 2 recognised senior players available, and took 3 goalkeepers in the 18-man squad for the clash. This injury list will be something Amorim will be hoping should improve in the next week or so which could help boost morale and squad freshness, when the likes of Casemiro are being used across full 90-minute clashes.

For Real Sociedad, they boasted 5 players in their squad more than their visitors, showing the increased depth at their disposal. With opportunities to reinforce their attack late in the game to push on further, this could play a pivotal role in the second leg as both sides could be stretched if the game remains in the balance.

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Munoz, Aguerd, Zubeldia, Elunstondo (Aramburu 63′), Sucic (Olasagasti 88′), Turrientes (Marin 63′), Mendez, Barrentxea (Oskarsson 63′), Oyarzabal, Kubo (Becker 80′)

Subs: Marrero, Mariezkurrena, Traore, Lopez, Martin, Beitia, Gomez

Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro (Lindelof 87′), Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot, Zirkzee (Collyer 87′), Hojlund, Garnacho (Eriksen 77′)

Subs: Mee, Harrison, Heaven, Amass

Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United

​Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, at the Reale Arena. Joshua Zirkzee’s 57th-minute strike gave United the lead, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty in the 70th minute levelled the match. Despite creating several chances, United were unable to secure a win, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. ​

United started the match strongly, with Bruno Fernandes and Zirkzee both having early opportunities. Zirkzee eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, finishing a pass from Alejandro Garnacho. However, a handball by Fernandes led to a penalty, which Oyarzabal converted to equalize. Real Sociedad pressed for a winner, but United’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper André Onana making crucial saves to keep the score level. ​

The draw means United remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season, but they will need to capitalize on their home advantage in the second leg to progress to the quarter-finals. Manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the team’s fatigue and emphasized the importance of physical readiness for the upcoming matches. ​

Talking Points

With Manchester United’s FA Cup journey already cut short, the Europa League remains their last realistic shot at silverware this season. A 1-1 draw in San Sebastián may not be a disastrous result, but it leaves no margin for error in the return leg at Old Trafford. The Reds, who showed flashes of control and attacking threat, now find themselves needing a decisive home performance to avoid another premature exit. The pressure is mounting on Ruben Amorim, whose tactical nous will be tested as he aims to keep United’s European campaign alive.

Joshua Zirkzee was a standout figure on the night, combining intelligent movement with a clinical finish to put United ahead early in the second half. His link-up play with Alejandro Garnacho and composure in front of goal offered a glimpse of the potential the Dutchman brings to this side. With Rasmus Højlund still recovering form and fitness, Zirkzee’s performance in Spain may well tilt the balance in his favour as United seek a reliable focal point in attack for the decisive weeks ahead.

Perhaps the most concerning takeaway for United was the thinness of their bench. With only two senior outfield players available as substitutes, Amorim had limited options to alter the course of the game when Sociedad wrested back momentum. This lack of depth, a result of injuries and a congested fixture list, threatens to derail United’s ambitions on all fronts. As the season enters its business end, the reliance on a core group of starters could prove costly if reinforcements don’t return quickly.