Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal calmly slotted home a second-half penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie at the Reale Arena on Thursday night.  

Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead just before the hour mark, ending his five-game goal drought after converting Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross. However, Bruno Fernandes’ handball gifted the hosts a penalty in the 70th minute, which Oyarzabal dispatched confidently, sending Andre Onana the wrong way.  

The hosts almost snatched a dramatic late winner, but substitute Orri Oskarsson squandered two golden opportunities, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next Thursday’s decisive second leg at Old Trafford.  

“Before the penalty, I thought the team was in control. I think it changed with the penalty,” said United boss Ruben Amorim. “We take the game to Old Trafford, we’ll try to win there. (The team) are really anxious to score goals and win games.”  

Amorim faced significant selection headaches, with injuries reducing his options to just 18 fit players. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte joined a growing injury list that already included Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw.  

Despite the setbacks, Amorim dismissed the notion that winning the Europa League was “crucial” for United but acknowledged that lifting the trophy could salvage a disappointing season. Currently languishing 14th in the Premier League and already out of all domestic cups, the Portuguese manager is under increasing pressure to deliver European success.  

The opening 45 minutes lacked spark, with neither side playing with much attacking intent. United came closest to breaking the deadlock, with Fernandes and Zirkzee both having shots blocked by Real Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo.  

Real Sociedad, ninth in La Liga, also view the Europa League as a potential highlight in a turbulent season — especially with the final set to take place at the home of their arch-rivals, Athletic Bilbao, at San Mames.  

Imanol Alguacil welcomed back key players like Takefusa Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Luka Sucic, all of whom missed the 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona last weekend. However, the absence of midfield orchestrator Martin Zubimendi was keenly felt.  

United started the second half with more urgency, with Fernandes firing a free-kick wide and Garnacho hitting the side-netting. Zirkzee’s breakthrough goal in the 58th minute — a scrappy finish that Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro will feel he should have stopped — rewarded their improved intent.  

“He deserved it because he’s working really well, he’s improving in a lot of things… and he was really important for us today,” Amorim said of Zirkzee, who bounced back after missing a crucial penalty in United’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham.  

Oyarzabal’s equalizer, following Fernandes’ handball, marked Real Sociedad’s first shot on target, but it sparked a much stronger finish from the Basques. Onana denied Brais Mendez’s curling effort before Oskarsson’s late misses ensured the tie remains delicately poised.  

The winner of the tie will face either Lyon or Romanian side FCSB in the quarterfinals.