Player Ratings: Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian despite an improved performance in the UEFA Europa League against Real Sociedad.

United were the stronger of the two sides throughout the game, especially in the first 70 minutes. Ruben Amorim's side mustered a number of opportunities in the first-half, testing Alex Remiro and the Sociedad defence a few times.

While it was goalless at the break, United were relatively comfortable, with the Reds holding off Sociedad and denying the Basque side any space in behind. One of the key moments came midway through the first-half, as Diogo Dalot sprinted down the right, and somehow did not pass to Rasmus Hojlund, who was free in the penalty area.

United started the second-half well, keeping hold of possession well and threatening down the wings. The opener eventually came in the 57th minute, as Alejandro Garnacho squared the ball to Joshua Zirkzee, who finished it into the net with a first-time shot, beating Remiro.

The Reds had a number of other opportunities to add to their scoring, yet they were letting themselves down with their finishing.

In the 70th minute, Sociedad were awarded a penalty after a VAR check found that the ball had struck Bruno Fernandes's hand from a corner kick. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up, and he guided the ball past Andre Onana.

With the score level, United looked content to hold on for the draw, and Sociedad were motivated to get a winner, testing Onana several times, yet the United goalkeeper stood firm.

The score at the end of the first leg was 1-1, with it all to play for at Old Trafford next week.

Here are our player ratings from Thursday's match in San Sebastian:

Andre Onana 7

Onana looked very comfortable on the ball, despite some early scares with the ball to his feet. He had no chance with the penalty, but he made several impressive saves throughout the match, particularly one in stoppage time to earn United the draw.

Noussair Mazraoui 7

Slotted in well at centre-back, and was largely untroubled by Sociedad's forwards. He was confident on and off the ball like always.

Matthijs de Ligt 8

Continued to build on his impressive performances recently with another solid display. Made a brilliant intervention towards the end of the first-half, and in the second-half he cleared a cross despite slipping when the ball came in. Led the defensive line very well.

Leny Yoro 7

Barely put a foot wrong in the game and controlled the Sociedad forwards well. Growing into his role at United.

Diogo Dalot 5

Missed a glorious opportunity to cross the ball to Hojlund who was free in the box, leaving the Dane furious with Dalot. Aside from that, he was steady and played a part in the goal, yet that opportunity highlighted what many United fans are frustrated by from Dalot: his end-product.

Bruno Fernandes 6

Controlled the game's tempo and rhythm, but he failed to have an influence in the final third. Got booked and was penalised for a very subjective handball.

Casemiro 7

Probably Casemiro's best performance this season, and he played the full 90 minutes. Crisp with his passing and held his own in midfield. Looks so much better playing in Europe.

Patrick Dorgu 6

He was a constant threat down the left side, but his end product was letting him down. Pretty solid defensively, and will be a big miss on Sunday due to his suspension.

Alejandro Garnacho 6

Got a go from the start and was once again a live wire in the forward line. However, his decision-making was questionable yet again, with him having several chances to play others on or to take shots quicker. One of the few times he looked for a teammate in the final third, he got an assist.

Joshua Zirkzee 7

His upturn in form continued as he looked more comfortable in behind Hojlund. Linked up well with the rest of the team and put United ahead with a tidy finish.

Rasmus Hojlund 6

A much better display from the Dane, putting himself about more than previous games, while also holding on to the ball much more. Will be annoyed by his teammates not delivering the right balls to him when he was in great positions.

Substitutions

Christian Eriksen 5

Brought on for Garnacho at a time when the game's intensity started to increase, and he did not have that much of an impact.

Toby Collyer 6

Returned to the team after a spell out injured, and he looked eager to impress. Could start on Sunday.

Victor Lindelof 5

Subbed on in the latter stages for Yoro, and was largely untroubled.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 6

Did not have much to work with in terms of personnel, and his line-up was fairly predictable. United were solid throughout, and he will feel frustrated that his side did not get the win. He could not influence the game from off the bench with the options he had available, but there are still many positives for him to take ahead of the Arsenal game.