“We have faced Barca and Real Madrid many times but there’s one thing Manchester United did best that both of them couldn’t”: Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil says Manchester United is better than Barcelona and Real Madrid in one aspect
Manchester United and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw in the Europa League first leg tie.
A decisive night awaits at Old Trafford next week when Manchester United host Real Sociedad. The score is finely poised at 1-1 after a stalemate first leg in Spain.
Manchester United had most of the play in Spain against Real Sociedad, with Joshua Zirkzee giving the team a deserved lead. Until VAR intervened, and awarded a penalty against Bruno Fernandes.
Sociedad equalised and had chances to win the game late, with Andre Onana providing a useful barrier to ensure United left Spain still undefeated in the Europa League this season.
Manchester United attacking duo praised
Joshua Zirkzee struck Manchester United’s goal midway through the second half, connecting with a pass made by Alejandro Garnacho.
The pair have a well-earned reputation for being erratic in front of goal, reflected by the pair both being stuck in single figures for the season. But they are always lively and trying to make something happen, and caused problems for Real Sociedad.
Spanish newspaper AS noted Manchester United were ‘constantly playing behind the Real Sociedad defence to take advantage of the speed of Garnacho and Zirkzee, who were the players who created the most danger.’
The outlet noted that Zirkzee’s goal had an element of poor defending, and also questioned if goalkeeper Alex Remiro should have kept it out.
Despite his assist, Alejandro Garnacho remains looking for a first goal of 2025, and United fans were left frustrated by his body language.
Real Sociedad boss praises Manchester United
Real Sociedad manager Imanol was impressed with Manchester United and admitted he was pleased to escape with a draw.
His comments should be seen as praise for United head coach Ruben Amorim and the way he set the team up.
He was quoted via Mundo Deportivo: “They have a lot of power, they have a lot of potential. They are well-organised, they come together… They force you to do a lot.
“They deserve much more. They are one of the best teams in Europe. You have to be very precise and have a lot of speed.
“They are very competitive there and we were able to hold out and draw, which is very valuable.”
United fans have not seen much evidence that this is ‘one of the best teams in Europe’, and it is nice to hear a compliment like that, even if we cannot really agree with it right now.
