Real Sociedad vs Manchester United: Three key points from the game as it ends in an enthralling 1-1 draw

The tournament that had to be a fun outing for Manchester United has now turned into a must-win competition if they are to have any European action in the upcoming season. The club has struggled in the Premier League with them in 14th place with the last set of Premier League games to go and with the form they are in at the moment, it is hard to get the European competition. On the other hand, Real Sociedad are closer to the European spots but would want to aim high by winning the competition. In a game where the away side wanted a lead taking the fixture home, Manchester United failed to get anything substantial with the fixture ending in a 1-1 draw at Anoeta.

Here are the three key points from the enthralling yet grinding draw between Manchester United and Real Sociedad: 

1) A game of two halves

Real Sociedad started the game on a high note, with their players maintaining significant possession. At the end of the 12th minute, they were enjoying an 85% pass success percentage with 60% possession. While it was glaring that Manchester United were struggling to hold the ball, it was them who had the first shot on target in the 13th minute. 

The Old Trafford outfit was strong going forward but failed to get the end product. The first half ended in a stalemate. In the second half, Red Devils came all guns blazing, and that yielded results 12 minutes later to take the lead. However, it was short-lived as Socieded found the equalizer 13 minutes later. After conceding the equalizer, the game got stretched but none found the back of the net. Andre Onana performed better compared to previous games on the pitch barring the penalty where he could not stop the ball. 

2) Joshua Zirkzee puts up a great show 

Manchester United’s new signing, Joshua Zirkzee, was once booed at Old Trafford but ever since then, he has found the mojo. After failing to adapt the physicality as a striker, Zirkzee has been immense in the No. 10 role. With Bruno Fernandes moving deeper in the midfield role, Zirkzee and Ruben Amorim have been a great revelation for the club. While his link-up play was top-notch, he put Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho in great positions to register a shot on target. However, when nothing worked, he took matters into his own hands in the 57th minute to help his side score the goal and break the deadlock. He won four aerial duels while also registering two tackles during his defensive duties. 

3) VAR strikes Manchester United again

When it looked like Manchester United was taking home the important goal lead, VAR struck again. Till that point, Real Sociedad had barely tested Andre Onana and failed to register any shots on target. However, a controversial call awarded the chance to Alguacil’s men to find the net. The VAR penalized Bruno Fernandes for ball touching his hand in an aerial duel. Oyarabazal easily put the ball behind the net, helping Sociedad come back into the game where they had struggled to take any chances. 

What did managers have to say after grunting a 1-1 draw?

Talking in the post-match press conference, Ruben Amorim mentioned that his players are anxious to score goals and win games. He said that based on his observation during the game where they haven't been able to find the back of the net despite creating a flurry of chances. He said:

One thing that I am sure (about) is they are really anxious to score goals and to win games

On the other hand, Real Sociedad gaffer Imanol Alguacil was of the opinion that a club like Manchester United have a lot of power and pace while also being a well-assembled unit. He also mentioned that they are one of the best clubs in Europe. Alguacil said: 

They have a lot of power, they have a lot of potential. They are well assembled, they come together… They force you to do a lot. They deserve much more. They are one of the best teams in Europe.

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United: Player Ratings

Real Sociedad

Ale Remiro - 6.5

Artiz Elustondo - 7.5

Igor Zubeldia - 6.3

Nayef Aguerd - 6.2

Aihen Munoz - 6.8

Brais Mendez - 6.4

Benat Turientes - 6.8

Luca Sucic - 6.5

Mayor Oyarzabal - 7.5

Takefusa Kubo - 7

Ander Barrenetxea - 6.8

Substitutes: Orri Óskarsson (6.3), Sheraldo Baker (NA), Jon Ander Olasagasti (NA), Pablo Marin (6.3), Jon Arumburu (6.3)

Manchester United

Andre Onana - 6.5

Noussair Mazroui - 6.5

Matthijs de Ligt - 7

Lenny Yoro - 6.5

Diogo Dalot - 6

Patrik Dorgu - 6.5

Bruno Fernandes - 6.8

Casemiro - 7

Alejandro Garnacho - 6.5

Joshua Zirkzee - 8.2 (Man of the Match)

Rasmus Hojlund - 6

Substitutes: Toby Collyer (NA), Victor Lindelof (NA), Christian Eriksen (6.3)