'It could have been worse!' - Ruben Amorim not completely disappointed with Man Utd draw at Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad and Manchester United will head into next week's second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in a deadlock, after drawing 1-1 at the Reale Arena on Thursday.

As the scoreline suggested, there wasn't much separating the sides in the first leg, but United will feel disappointed that they couldn't hold on to the lead after Joshua Zirkzee scored in the 57th minute to put the visitors ahead.

The advantage would last barely more than 10 minutes as United captain Bruno Fernandes was judged by VAR to have handled the ball inside the Red Devils' penalty area in the 68th minute, giving Real Sociedad a chance to equalise.

Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to the spot and made no mistake on his attempt, levelling the match and bringing the Spanish side back into the tie.

• Read next | 'It's a big wake up call' - Son Heung-min reflects on Tottenham's Europa League loss to AZ Alkmaar

For United manager Ruben Amorim, the result was not what his side were looking for, but he's also glad that the club came away with a draw.

“It could be better, but it could have been worse," Amorim said. "When the momentum changed, we got tired more easily."

Zirkzee agree with his manager's assessment that United were architects of their own fate, although he pinned the penalty call on misfortune.

"I think we were unlucky with the penalty," the goalscorer told TNT Sports. "It shows we have to be relentless with our chances.

"We had enough of them today. In the end a draw, away, they have to come to Old Trafford [next week]."

Watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Sign up now for a free DAZN account to watch the Club World Cup, starting on Saturday, June 14.

Or, if you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, then the tournament is part of your current membership.

A DAZN Freemium account costs nothing and provides access to action across football, boxing, NFL, golf, motorsports, basketball, padel and more*.

Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV*.

You only need an email address to register for a Freemium account, with no hidden costs.

Join now to watch the FIFA Club World Cup and other sport for free on DAZN. Sign up here.

*Sports and channels dependant on country of residence

 

More Football

• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, groups, schedule, venues
• How to watch the Club World Cup on DAZN
• National League fixtures & results
• The National League only on DAZN
• Watch the Champions League on DAZN (Canada & New Zealand)
• The Women's Champions League free on DAZN
• Nassr TV on DAZN - Watch Ronaldo and Al Nassr for free