Joshua Zirkzee’s First European Goal Not Enough as Man Utd Stumble in Spain
Manchester United fans were left frustrated as the Red Devils let a crucial lead slip, settling for a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in their Europa League last-16 first leg. While Joshua Zirkzee made history with his maiden European goal for United, a controversial penalty decision shifted the momentum, leaving Erik ten Hag’s men with work to do at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, the Dutch sensation, broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the second half with a clinical low strike from the edge of the box that stunned Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. It was a moment that should have signaled United’s dominance, but football had other plans. They had controlled the game until that point, dominating possession and dictating the pace, yet their inability to kill off the match left the door open for Sociedad’s resurgence.
VAR Controversy Strikes Again
Just when United looked in control, the dreaded VAR intervened, awarding Real Sociedad a penalty for an alleged handball by Bruno Fernandes. Mikel Oyarzabal coolly slotted home, leaving United players fuming at the decision. Replays showed that Fernandes’ hand was in an unnatural position, but the United captain argued that it was a harsh call, given the close proximity of the shot.
With the game now open, the Spanish side nearly stole a winner, forcing Andre Onana into late heroics. The momentum had completely shifted, and for the first time in the match, United looked rattled. What should have been a comfortable lead turned into a desperate struggle to avoid defeat. The frustration was evident on the faces of United players, as misplaced passes and defensive lapses crept into their game.
United’s captain, Fernandes, had a goal-bound strike dramatically cleared off the line in the first half and came close again with a dangerous free-kick that whizzed just past the post. But it was the penalty that changed everything, shifting the momentum in Sociedad’s favor. The Spanish side sensed blood and threw everything forward in the dying minutes.
Oskarsson’s Nightmare Miss Saves United
Real Sociedad had the chance to deliver a knockout punch, but Orri Oskarsson’s nerves got the better of him. The Icelandic forward missed a sitter from six yards out before Onana made a spectacular save to deny him deep into added time. United fans will be thanking their shot-stopper for keeping the tie alive.
It was a golden opportunity that Sociedad may come to regret. Oskarsson, unmarked in the middle of the box, had the goal at his mercy but could only toe-poke the ball wide. His reaction said it all—head in hands, disbelief written across his face. The missed chance could prove costly when the two sides meet again at Old Trafford.
Red Devils at a Crossroads – Redemption or Disaster?
With their FA Cup dreams shattered after a painful penalty shootout defeat to Fulham, the Europa League remains Manchester United’s only hope for silverware this season. But can they handle the pressure at Old Trafford? Their European record this season is strong—five wins, four draws, and 16 goals scored—but one slip could end it all.
There’s no denying that this season has been a rollercoaster for United. Defensive frailties, inconsistent performances, and tactical uncertainty have plagued them. Fans are beginning to question whether Erik ten Hag is the right man to lead the club forward. The second leg will be a defining moment—not just for United’s European ambitions, but for their season as a whole.
Ruben Amorim, standing in the dugout for United, remains optimistic but admits his players are struggling to make the right decisions under pressure.
“They want to do their best, but sometimes they’re not deciding the best way in their position,” he admitted post-match. The words of a manager who knows his side is walking a tightrope. The pressure is mounting, and anything less than a victory in the second leg could spell disaster for United’s season.
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at Old Trafford on Thursday, March 13. The Red Devils must deliver under the lights, or risk crashing out of their only remaining competition. Will they rise to the occasion and keep their European dreams alive, or will Sociedad deliver a hammer blow to a club desperate for redemption? One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be dramatic, controversial, and possibly season-defining.
