Ruben Amorim left Spain on Thursday night with his UEFA Europa League aspirations alive after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad. However, it could have been better.
United could have won this tie before next week’s second leg at Old Trafford if they had scored. Instead, it’s in the balance, and the Spanish team, who have trouble scoring, will fly to Manchester hoping to reach the last eight of a major European competition for the first time since 1989.
The feat would be remarkable for Sociedad. With a title and Champions League football at stake, United need this too. Despite the lack of opposition, this was one of United’s strongest efforts under Amorim for 70 minutes.
Despite traveling to Spain with a thin squad—the Portuguese coach could only name five outfield players on the bench—his team performed with control and calm. This game featured the Premier League’s sixth-lowest scorers against LaLiga’s third-lowest scorers, so it wasn’t surprising that it was 0-0 at halftime.
The first serious chance came when Bruno Fernandes’ shot was stopped by Aritz Elustondo. United had the best of the first 45 minutes. A night that revealed United’s goal-scoring issues.
At one point in the first half, Diogo Dalot had the chance to cross towards Rasmus Højlund. After turning back, Højlund was left in the penalty area, flailing in anger. Højlund hasn’t scored since December and didn’t attempt a shot against Sociedad.
