Manchester United resume their fight for the one remaining title they can win this season as they host Real Sociedad for the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening leg in San Sebastian last week, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the opener before Mikel Oyarzabal levelled proceedings with a late penalty. But they’ll need more of that magic against Real Sociedad, with this competition the final opportunity for the Red Devils to win silverware this season and rescue what has otherwise been a dismal campaign.
The visitors have been on a middling run of their own, having lost four of their last six games including a 1-0 loss to Sevilla in their last outing, and sit 11th in La Liga. But all the pressure is on United – especially after some of their players were labelled “overpaid” and “underperforming” by owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Follow updates from Manchester United v Real Sociedad in our live blog below:
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
20min: Shouts for another penalty ring from the Stretford End as Remiro clatters Hojlund in the process of claiming a cross.
Looking at the replay there does not appear to be a foul committed, though the Dane did take a knock on the head and appears to be seeing stars, though he will continue.
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
18mins: That penalty really spares Hojlund his blushes.
He got the shot away before being taken out and saw his shot routinely saved, but the focus will be on Zubeldia’s rash tackle rather than his scuffed shot.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
16mins: Fernandes tucks the penalty away after a very deliberate runup and caps the perfect response for United!
Exactly what the doctor ordered. We are honours even at Old Trafford, and the momentum is quite clearly behind the hosts now.
PENALTY! Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
13min: Who could have seen that coming – Rasmus Hojlund wins a penalty!
He pelts into the box to meet Fernandes’ cross and is taken out by Zubeldia – the pen is clear as day.
Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
Our senior football correspondent Richard Jolly has the latest from Old Trafford:
“Mikel Oyarzabal has a history of scoring against English opposition. After his late winner in the Euro 2024 final, an early penalty here. Judging from the noise the Sociedad fans are making, they are dreaming of a final in Bilbao, perhaps against Athletic Bilbao.”
GOAL – Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
10min: SOCIEDAD LEAD! Oyarzabal wins the penalty and dispatches it into the bottom right corner, sending Onana sailing the opposite direction.
An early lead for the visitors. United fans and players alike look a little nervous.
There is one positive, though – there is plenty of time to react.
PENALTY – Man Utd 0-0 Real Sociedad (1-1 Agg)
8min: It is a surprisingly long check, but the referee points to the spot!
De LIgt looked to have made a tidy clearance, but upon closer inspection is seen to have cleared out the man before the ball.
A disaster start for Manchester United, unless Onana can redeem them.
Man Utd 0-0 Real Sociedad (1-1 Agg)
8min: The referee heads to the monitor…