Manchester United vs Real Sociedad LIVE: Europa League rating as Bruno Fernandes hits double earlier than purple card
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 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
61min: Sociedad look to have shifted to a more attacking formation, moving from a 4-3-3 what could be a 3-4-3.
The rotation does not seem to have had a huge effect as yet, but they do look slightly more potent in attack if more panicked in defence.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
59min: United are very in gear now, and look to be enjoying themselves. Hojlund and Zirkzee are linking up well in attack – you can tell the former is desperate to end his goal drought tonight.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
56min: When was the last time we were treated to three penalties in one match? What a spectacle.
Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert became the first player in Premier League history to score three penalties in one match back in November – could Fernandes match that feat tonight?
Patrick Dorgu praised for impact against Real Sociedad
A gripping tie and United have started fast this half, here’s Richard Jolly with the latest insight from Old Trafford:
“Dorgu won United’s second penalty and he has been positive throughout, whether running forward or attempting a series of long-range shots. He isn’t yet the most polished of players but this has been an encouraging night for the January signing.”
GOAL! Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
50min: Fernandes does what he does best and tucks the penalty away tidily.
A typically patient run-up followed by a hop, skip, jump, and he rolls it away from the keeper.
United lead on the night and in the tie – its the perfect time to score so soon after half time, and you cannot see United slipping up now.
PENALTY! Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
48min: Another penalty for United! Zirkzee sees his shot saved and Dorgu follows up on the rebound but he is tripped up by Elustondo!
The referee waits on it, has a think, and points to the spot.
Second Half: Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
We’re back underway at Old Trafford! A season-defining 45 minutes await United – can they get this over the line?
Karen Carney calls on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to invest in Man Utd Women
Speaking before the match, England legend Karen Carney again called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to up his investment in Man United’s women’s side.
“Nobody expects Man Utd to not be focused on the men’s team, but it is disappointing and surprising for a club of such history that has been forward thinking and world-leading not to be investing in one of the fastest growing areas in sport,” Carney tells TNT Sports.
“I thought they wanted to be the best in class, leaders in their field, for me it’s sad and I’m disappointed, I hope it changes.”
The stats do not read kindly for either side
Looking at the halftime numbers, it is rather surprising that we have only seen penalty goals.
United and Sociedad have had 17 shots between them, six of which have been on target, generating a total of 1.08 non-penalty xG.
It is the hosts who have had more of the joy, though – Hojlund’s miss alone constitutes 0.52xG.
HALFTIME: Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
De Ligt launches a cross-field ball to Zirkzee but overhits it, and it dribbles out of play to close the half.
We started with a flurry of action as two penalties went either way in the opening quarter of an hour, but neither side has been able to find the back of the net from open play as yet.
United have had the better of the opportunities, though, enjoying the better of the play after neutralizing Sociedad’s fast start.
Ultimately, we will head into the second half on the same standing as we did the first: all square.
