Europa League: Manchester United held to draw by Real Sociedad
What's the story
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 clash.
Although Joshua Zirkzee's goal gave United the lead after the break, Bruno Fernandes's handball saw Mikel Oyarzabal equalizing from the spot.
The result means both sides have everything to play for in the return fixture at Old Trafford next week.
Here's more.
Season outlook
United's Europa League campaign hinges on this tournament
The UEFA Europa League is Manchester United's last hope to salvage a disappointing season.
While the away draw is a respectable result in European competition, the team will be disappointed not to have taken a lead into the second leg.
Notably, United still remain unbeaten in this season's Europa League (D4 W5).
Ruben Amorim's side had their chances in the first half with Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both coming close to scoring.
Game changers
Zirkzee's goal and Fernandes's handball turn the match
Zirkzee's goal was helped by a mistake from Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, who was caught out of position.
However, with 20 minutes left in the match, Fernandes's handball inside the box allowed Oyarzabal to equalize from the penalty spot.
Despite Amorim's perfect record in this competition ending with this draw, he can take confidence into next week's return fixture after his team's improved performance.
Information
Here are the match stats
United had 5 shots on target from 13 attempts. Sociedad managed two shots on target from 12 attempts. The Red Devils had 30 touches in the opposition box to Sociedad's 16. The hosts had 55% ball possession.
Stats
Key numbers of Zirkzee and Garnacho
Zirkzee scored his maiden European goal for United. He now owns six goals from 41 matches for the club in what is his debut season.
Garnacho made his 7th assist of the season, including two in the Europa League.
He is now involved in 15 goals for the club this season (G8, A7).
Do you know?
Sociedad's tale against United and English sides in Europe
As per Opta, Sociedad have won just one of their last 7 European matches against Man United (D3 L3). The Spanish club has also been unable to beat English opponents at home in Europe (D2 L3).