Manchester United were well in control and headed back to Old Trafford with a lead in their Europa League round of 16 tie with Real Sociedad, but by the end they were happy just to escape with a 1-1 draw.
MORE - UEFA Europa League schedule
Joshua Zirkzee bagged his first European goal for the Red Devils in the 57th minute, at which point Manchester United had out-shot Real Sociedad 11-4 and afforded the hosts all of 0.10 xG on the night. It was anything but a dazzling display by Man United, but it was functional and, most importantly, effective. From that moment forward, Ruben Amorim’s side had just two shots (0.04 xG).
Even still, a 1-0 grind-it-out away win in the first leg would have been a spectacular result given their recent form. Alas, disaster struck in the 70th minute, when the VAR drew attention to a potential handball by Bruno Fernandes as United defended a corner kick. His arm was raised, even if his eyes weren’t fixed on the ball, and the decision was clear for all to see. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped to the spot, sent Andre Onana one way and stroked the ball the other.
Amorim had just seven players (of a possible 12) available on the bench, including just two senior members of the team in Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen.
Player ratings - Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
What’s next?
- Manchester United vs Arsenal — Sunday, 12:30 pm ET (Premier League)
- Real Sociedad vs Sevilla — Sunday, 4 pm ET (La Liga)
- Manchester United vs Real Sociedad — Thursday, 4 pm ET (Second leg)
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United live updates - by Andy Edwards
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United final score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Joshua Zirkzee (57'), Mikel Oyarzabal (70' - PK)
PENALTY! Real Sociedad 1-1 Man United: Bruno Fernandes handball levels the tie (70')
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal smashes home the penalty to level the tie 💥 pic.twitter.com/M9O2myfIeB
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 6, 2025
GOAL! Real Sociedad 0-1 Man United: Zirkzee fires home from the edge of the box (57')
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee fires in his first career European goal! 💫 pic.twitter.com/M0kKEogtlX
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 6, 2025
Name two players who needed to make a goal contribution worse than Zirkzee (goal) and Alejandro Garnacho (assist). Can’t do it.
Real Sociedad lineup
Remiro - Elustondo, Aguerd, Zubeldia, Munoz - Sucic, Turrientes, Mendez - Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Manchester United lineup
Onana - Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro - Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu - Zirkzee, Garnacho, Hojlund
How to watch Real Sociedad vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 12:45pm ET Thursday (March 6)
Venue: Reale Arena — San Sebastian
TV/Streaming: Paramount+
Real Sociedad team news, focus
Sociedad have no injury concerns and both Sheraldo Becker and Takefusa Kubo are back from suspension. The latter is their main threat in attack and Real will look to control play with Zubimendi dictating midfield and Oyarzabal twisting and turning in attack.
Manchester United team news, focus
United will be sweating on the fitness of Maguire, while Dorgu is available in this competition after being sent off against Ipswich last week. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to start behind Rasmus Hojlund in attack, with Ugarte and Fernandes in midfield. United really don’t have many other options.
OUT: Jonny Evans (lower back), Toby Collyer (knock), Mason Mount (thigh), Luke Shaw (foot), Jonny Evans (muscular), Lisandro Martinez (torn ACL - MORE), Altay Bayindir (undisclosed), Patrick Dorgu (suspension), Kobbie Mainoo (undisclosed), Amad Diallo (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Harry Maguire (knock)
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United prediction
This feels like a game which could get away from United quickly if they don’t stay solid early. If they can calm things down, Bruno Fernandes will be crucial to launching counter attacks. Real Sociedad 2-2 Manchester United.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United preview
Sociedad sit just outside the top six in La Liga but they have suffered six defeats in their last nine league games. They had a solid League Phase, finishing 13th in the table, and are maybe not as dangerous as they have been in previous seasons. Still, they have Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal who are their stars in midfield and attack respectively, while Kubo is their top goalscorer. Their fans in San Sebastian will be fired up and their home will be rocking for this first leg.
Manchester United’s entire season hinges on this competition, with Ruben Amorim under even more pressure after they lost at home to Fulham in the FA Cup last 16 on Sunday on penalty kicks. Their Premier League form has been woeful for some time as United’s players struggle to adapt to Amorim’s tactics, while injuries have also piled up in recent weeks. In the Europa League they finished third in the League Phase and are the bookmakers’ favorites to win this competition.
