Ruben Amorim's side delivered their best performance in months but failed to build on their advantage in San Sebastian
A much better performance from Manchester United, but a familiarly disappointing result. The Red Devils bossed their Europa League last-16 first leg away to Real Sociedad but leave Spain with just a 1-1 result after failing to make the most of their superior play and many chances.
Joshua Zirkzee gave Ruben Amorim's side a deserved lead in the second half after a fine pass from Alejandro Garnacho, who should have scored before and then missed a decent opportunity to double United's advantage. But an unfortunate and unlucky handball by Bruno Fernandes while defending a corner was spotted by VAR and Mikel Oyarzabal equalised from the penalty spot. In the end United were fortunate to hold on for the draw as Sociedad substitute Orri Oskarsson missed a huge opportunity from inside the box and was then thwarted by a fine save from Andre Onana.
Everything is left to play for in next week's second leg at Old Trafford but United will be kicking themselves for not giving themselves a head start.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from the Reale Arena..
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (8/10):
A passenger in the first half. Sent the wrong way by Oyarzabal but made a fine save to deny Brais Mendez and an even better one to thwart Oskarsson.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
Distributed the ball well and comfortable in defence, making several important blocks, including putting Oskarsson off at the end.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
His aggressive positioning helped United take the game to their hosts and he kept the hosts' forward line quiet.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Had a good grip on Kubo and Mendez but Becker caused him havoc when he came on.
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Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Had a lousy first half and should have released Hojlund when he was free. Made amends by teeing up Fernandes' effort and then leading the move for the opener.
Casemiro (6/10):
Looked more comfortable back in the country where he had his best years as a player, making the most of the more pedestrian pace.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Should have buried his chance in the first half. Was responsible for the team's improved display overall but was ultimately to blame for losing the lead, even if the decision was really harsh.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
Gave a battling performance, playing on after an injury scare and delivering an energetic display.
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Joshua Zirkzee (6/10):
Used his physical presence to his advantage. Broke the deadlock, albeit being bit lucky due to Remiro's positioning
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Another blank and another game in which he barely got into any good shooting positions, even if he was not helped by his team-mates.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
A quiet first half but was very involved in the second, for better and worse. A fine pass for Zirkzee's goal but should have done better with his two chances.
AFPSubs & Manager
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
Didn't get involved enough in his 12 minutes on the pitch.
Toby Collyer (N/A):
Came on in the 88th minute.
Victor Lindelof (N/A):
Made an important block and was an extra body to aim at from the free-kick.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
His team's best performance in two months but they should have left with a win.
