Real Sociedad 1, Manchester United 1 (Europa League Round of 16, 1st Leg)
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw after Joshua Zirkzee’s opener was cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal from the penalty spot.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited boss Ruben Amorim praised Joshua Zirkzee’s contribution including the crucial goal but admitted his team had felt the aftermath of extra time against Fulham on Sunday after the first leg tie in San Sebastian.
Amorim said: “Joshua deserved this moment, it was really important for him after what happened on Sunday.
He added: “In the last 20 minutes I felt the team really tired.
“Until the penalty I felt we were in control of the game. We were so near the second goal and they were nervous.
“But the momentum changed and we got tired.
“We will take the game to Old Trafford and try to win there.”
“We are creating chances but sometimes we manage not to shoot, there are great opportunities there with transitions and situations but we are missing something.
“Goals can make a big difference.
Rasmus Hojlund, who started up front for the Reds, was partly culpable for United’s shot shyness on the night but was rightly furious about Diogo Dalot not crossing to him when he was in a perfect position to capitalise on what should have been a golden chance to score.
Amorim said: “Diogo had a lot of time to think about about the play, maybe he didn’t know that Rasmus had the advantage there.
“It was a clear situation but the decision was not the best – move on to the next opportunity.
“He has to think about the next game.”
United had started well, having a Bruno Fernandes shot blocked on the line while Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee were also denied.
The Argentine also hit the side netting and had another effort saved before setting up Zirkzee for a long range effort which put the Reds on top after 57 minutes.
Zirkzee’s 6th goal of the season was just what he needed after penalty heartbreak on Sunday.
But with 20 minutes to go Oyarzabal slotted home the equaliser from the penalty spot after VAR spotted a Bruno Fernandes handball.
And La Real went on to pressurise a tiring United late in the game, Andre Onana made two saves to keep the scores level as the Reds retreated to give themselves hope that they could revive their season with a win next Thursday.