Real Sociedad 1-1 Man United PLAYER RATINGS: Who left team-mates furious? Which star played with swagger? And who is set to become a key player for Ruben Amorim?

Manchester United were left to rue missed opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie. 

Ruben Amorim’s side started on the front foot against a sluggish LaLiga side and got their reward in the second half when Joshua Zirkzee converted Alejandro Garnacho’s right-wing cross.

The issue for United was that they did not go on and build on their dominance and that kept the door ajar for Real Sociedad.

The Basque side took their chance in fortunate circumstances when VAR intervened to award them a penalty after Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have handled in the box.

That penalty was converted to set up a thrilling second leg next week back at Old Trafford with a quarter-final spot up for grabs. 

Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT runs the rule over how each Manchester United star performed in Spain.

Mikel Oyarzabal drew Real Sociedad level with 20 minutes to play by scoring a penalty

MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1)

Andre Onana – 7

Played with a swagger that could have fooled anyone about the criticism he has faced of late after some tricky performances. He was confident in coming for crosses but still saw his clean sheet breached from the penalty spot.

Leny Yoro – 7.5

The young Frenchman is improving game on game and this was another display that will give Amorim and his staff, as well as the hierarchy who fought so hard to get him over the summer, plenty to smile about. He is becoming stronger, making it tougher on strikers, and his growing confidence means he is now stepping into midfield and playing the game that saw him rise to prominence in France.

Matthjis de Ligt – 7

Continued the fine form he showed against Fulham on Sunday, this time as the central centre back. Was very disciplined when making some key tackles on the halfway line and once he realised there was no genuine threat in behind he was able to boss proceedings at that end of the pitch.

Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5

His versatility has proven invaluable to United amid this ongoing injury crisis and he slotted in just fine at left centre back. He’s played on the left and right side of the back three but looked among the most comfortable in the position he has all season, helped by Real Sociedad’s limited output in attack.

Leny Yoro is improving with every passing game and was a shining light for Man United

Matthjis de Ligt (left) was once again key for United while a slower pace suited Casemiro (right)

Diogo Dalot – 5

Left his manager – and team-mates – livid in the first half when he had the chance to square a cross to a free Rasmus Hojlund in the six-yard box but hesitated. Gets himself into too many good areas to keep making the wrong decision in a side so short of goals as it is.

Casemiro – 6

There were some ominous early sigs when Belat Turrientes breezed past him, but those moments felt fleeting as the lack of Sociedad pace generally played into the Brazilian’s hands.

Bruno Fernandes – 5

For someone usually as involved as him, first half completely passed him by. Things went from bad to worse for the captain when he gave away a penalty for handball. His arm was in an unnatural position and in this day and age that is a penalty, even if a change of the rule is needed to stop silly decisions like this one. Booked for dissent.

Patrick Dorgu – 6.5

A genuine left wing-back is a sign of why Ruben Amorim needs time to get personnel that fit his system. United look so much more threatening when Dorgu is in the side and it was a huge relief for everyone in red when he was able to shake off a first half injury scare. Looks set to become a really key player for the club.

Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5

Kept switching from the right side to the left but it was from the right that he perfectly picked out Joshua Zirkzee. Is often maligned when it comes to his decision making but his cross to Joshua Zirkzee was one of deadly precision. Looked thoroughly unimpressed to being the first player subbed off by Amorim. 

Alejandro Garnacho’s pace was a constant headache and he got the assist for Zirkzee’s goal

It was a night of frustration for Bruno Fernandes, who has been United’s best player recently

Rasmus Hojlund put in his brightest performance in months but team-mates let him down

Joshua Zirkzee – 7

Delivered the first blow of the night with his sixth goal of the season but his first for the club in Europe. Garnacho’s ball to him was perfect and he took it really well, even if the Real Sociedad was poor on the save.

Rasmus Hojlund – 6

He was left screaming at Dalot for not crossing him the ball for a tap-in in the six-yard box and his goal drought stretches to 19 games. But this was one of the brightest games he’s had in months; a display that was brimming with promise. Amorim must find a way to bottle up the freedom Hojlund plays with in Europe and medicate that in the Premier League

MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 6

This was a step forward in terms of performance and there have been a few of these on the road. The issue for him is that United could have took the game away from Real Sociedad on the night… instead it will all be decided at Old Trafford, where Manchester United have struggled so badly of late.

SUBS

Christian Eriksen (for Alejandro Garnacho, 78)

Toby Collyer (for Joshua Zirkzee, 88)

Victor Lindelof (for Leny Yoro, 88)

*** 

Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro 5; Elustondo 7, Zubeldia 6, Aguerd 5.5, Aihen Muñoz 6; Sucic 5.5, Turrientes 7, Brais Méndez 6.5; Kubo 7, Oyarzabal 6.5, Barrenetxea 6