Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) last 16 clash against Real Sociedad, leaving the tie on a knife-edge.
The Red Devils trip to Sociedad’s Reale Arena grew in importance following Sunday’s penalty shootout defeat against Fulham in the FA Cup, leaving the Europa League as their only viable route to winning a trophy and securing European qualification for next season.
Sociedad set up in a compact 4-3-3 but United looked the more aggressive and attack-minded side as they looked to break the deadlock.
The visitors kept poking until their persistence finally paid dividends shortly before the hour mark, with Joshua Zirkzee guiding the ball home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Garnacho’s cutback.
The lead lasted just 10 minutes as Mikel Oyarzabal sent André Onana the wrong way from the penalty spot after Bruno Fernandes was penalised for a handball in the box.
Both teams will meet at Old Trafford next week for a feisty second-leg.
