Manchester United Held to 1-1 Draw by Real Sociedad: Player Ratings and Match Analysis

In a tightly contested UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg match on March 6, 2025, Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián. The Red Devils took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee, but a controversial handball by Bruno Fernandes led to a penalty, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to equalize for the hosts.

**Match Overview**

Manchester United entered the match with confidence, aiming to secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. The team started brightly, controlling possession and creating early chances. Alejandro Garnacho, in particular, was lively on the left flank, causing problems for the Sociedad defense.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Garnacho delivered a precise cross into the box, finding Joshua Zirkzee, who headed home to give United the lead. This goal marked a significant moment for Zirkzee, who had recently overcome penalty woes to score his first European goal. 

Despite taking the lead, United struggled to maintain their advantage. Real Sociedad increased their intensity, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing errors from the United midfield. The pressure paid off in the 60th minute when a cross into the United box struck Bruno Fernandes' arm. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted to level the score.

The remainder of the match saw both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal. United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, made several crucial saves to deny Sociedad, ensuring the match ended in a draw.

**Player Ratings**

*Andre Onana (8/10):* The Cameroonian goalkeeper was in fine form, making several key saves to keep United in the game. His distribution was also commendable, initiating counter-attacks with precise throws and kicks.

*Diogo Dalot (5/10):* A mixed performance from the right-back. While he contributed to the attack, his defensive lapses were evident. Dalot's decision-making was questionable at times, and he struggled to provide quality service to Rasmus Hojlund, who made several intelligent runs.

*Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):* A solid display from the Dutch defender. He was composed under pressure, made crucial interceptions, and was dominant in aerial duels. De Ligt's leadership at the back was evident throughout the match.

*Leny Yoro (7/10):* The young defender showcased maturity beyond his years. Yoro was calm in possession, read the game well, and formed a strong partnership with de Ligt.

*Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):* An industrious performance from the left-back. Mazraoui was active in both defense and attack, but his final delivery lacked precision.

*Casemiro (6/10):* The Brazilian midfielder had a mixed game. While he broke up play effectively and attempted to launch forward plays, his passing was inconsistent, and he was dispossessed on a few occasions.

*Bruno Fernandes (5/10):* A frustrating evening for the Portuguese playmaker. Fernandes struggled to influence the game and was involved in the handball incident that led to Sociedad's penalty.

*Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):* The young winger was lively and provided the assist for Zirkzee's goal. However, he missed a couple of clear-cut chances that could have extended United's lead. Garnacho was substituted in the second half as United sought to freshen up their attack.

*Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):* Zirkzee's confidence was evident as he scored his first European goal for United. He was a constant threat to the Sociedad defense and worked tirelessly throughout the match.

*Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):* The forward made intelligent runs and was active in pressing the opposition. However, he lacked proper service from his teammates, limiting his impact on the game.

*Substitutes:*

*Marcus Rashford (6/10):* Introduced to add pace to the attack, Rashford had a few promising moments but couldn't find the breakthrough.

*Christian Eriksen (6/10):* Brought on to stabilize the midfield, Eriksen's passing was tidy, but he couldn't unlock the Sociedad defense.

**Match Analysis**

Manchester United will feel they missed an opportunity to take a commanding lead in this tie. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, their inability to convert opportunities proved costly. Alejandro Garnacho, in particular, will rue his missed chances, which could have put the game beyond Sociedad's reach.

Defensively, United were generally solid, with de Ligt and Yoro forming a promising partnership. However, lapses in concentration, especially from the full-backs, allowed Sociedad to exploit spaces on the flanks. Diogo Dalot's performance was below par, and his decision-making in the final third left much to be desired.

In midfield, Casemiro's experience was evident, but he was often left isolated, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas. Bruno Fernandes, usually the creative spark, had an off day and was involved in the unfortunate handball incident that led to the penalty.

The attacking trio of Garnacho, Zirkzee, and Hojlund showed glimpses of potential but lacked cohesion. Zirkzee's goal will boost his confidence, but the forwards need better service and understanding to break down well-organized defenses.

**Looking Ahead**

The 1-1 draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.