Real Sociedad 1-1 Manchester United Player Ratings: Joshua Zirkzee’s Impressive Strike Undone By Controversial Penalty

Real Sociedad played out an entertaining 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday (6 March 2025). Both goals came in the second half, with Joshua Zirkzee’s impressive 57th-minute goal being canceled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s 70th-minute penalty.

The game started in a relatively sloppy fashion as both teams struggled to get proper control of the momentum. The Red Devils, however, slowly started asserting their influence in the game.

The first big chance of the first half came in the 12^th minute. Alejandro Garnacho made a darting run through the left flank, but his powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.

Manchester United had another big chance to score after a chaotic bit of play in the 37^th minute. Diogo Dalot was played inside the box and he laid the ball off to captain Bruno Fernandes, whose shot was blocked. The rebound effort from Patrick Dorgu was blocked too, while Joshua Zirkzee’s effort went wide.

Fernandes turned provider for Dalot in the 42^nd minute, but the wing-back’s header was easily collected by Remiro. Ruben Amorim turned up the pressure in the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho wasting two chances in the first 10 minutes.

However, Manchester United’s pressure finally gave way in the 57^th minute with Zirkzee’s goal. He latched onto Garnacho’s cross before powering a shot past Remiro from the edge of the box.

Garnacho missed another chance in the 63^rd minute, putting an attempt into the side-netting from close range. The Red Devils’ dominance, however, would be disrupted when Real Sociedad received a penalty in the 70th minute for a controversial Bruno Fernandes handball. This was aptly converted by Mikel Oyarzabal.

The hosts were energized by that and had the better chances in the final stages of the match. Substitute Oli Oskarsson had a few big chances late on, but could not put the ball into the back of the net as the two sides have everything to play for in the second leg at Old Trafford. Here are Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Player Ratings.

Real Sociedad Player Ratings

GK – Alex Remiro – 6.5/10

Showcased his reliability with a couple of great saves in the first half. Beaten too easily for Zirkzee’s goal and mistimed his jump.

RB – Aritz Elustondo – 7/10

Elustondo was a proactive figure on the right, despite losing mark on Dorgu at times. Made a key goalline block in the first half and made many clearances.

CB – Nayef Aguerd – 6/10

Outwitted by Hojlund at times in some attacking patterns. But ultimately did well to keep him from scoring.

CB – Igor Zubeldia – 6/10

Zubeldia made a key block to stop Dorgu from scoring in the first half. Booked early after the break and had to play carefully afterward.

LB – Aihen Munoz – 7.5/10

Worked hard to keep the Red Devils quiet through the left, coming up with some tackles. Frustrated Garnacho but slightly outwitted for the Zirkzee goal.

CM – Benat Turrientes 6/10

The midfielder helped his side soak up pressure with some decent defensive contributions. But was nutmegged by Zirkzee for his goal.

RCM – Luka Sucic – 6.5/10

Susic showed a lot of positive energy with his movement and overall covering of spaces. Moved the ball around well to keep his side energized.

LCM – Brais Mendez – 5.5/10

Mendez got himself into empty spaces on a few occasions, but his shots were not threatening for Onana. Couldn’t create anything big either.

RW – Takefusa Kubo – 4.5/10

The Japanese winger showed a lot of skill with some encouraging forward dribbles. But his final product was awry and failed to test the United players.

LW – Ander Barrenetxea – 5/10

Barrenetxea couldn’t get at the end of anything major, causing him to get subbed early in the second half.

CF – Mikel Oyarzabal – 7/10

The Real Sociedad captain had a quiet first half, failing to get involved in the attacks. He made no mistake with the penalty, sending Onana the wrong way.

Sub – Jon Aramburu – 6/10

Helped add a bit more defensive sturdiness to his side after coming on.

Sub – Pablo Marin – 6/10

Did well to create a few half-chances.

Sub – Ori Oskarsson – 5.5/10

Got into some good positions to test the defenders. Missed a huge scoring chance in the 84^th minute from close range. Tested Onana with a powerful shot in stoppage time.

Sub – Sheraldo Becker – 7/10

Created a huge chance for Oskarsson after coming on, but he could not convert it.

Sub – Jon Olasagasti – 6/10

Made a late cameo.

Manager – Imanol Alguacil – 6/10

Imanol could not inspire a positive performance from his players in the first half and failed to make them stop the counter-attacks. Made a few nice tweaks to make them defensive stronger in the second half and worked hard to get a result.

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Manchester United Player Ratings

GK – Andre Onana – 6/10

Onana did well with Real Sociedad’s crossing attempts, making some excellent collections. Made only one save and failed to do much for the penalty.

RCB – Leny Yoro – 7.5/10

Yoro was proactive and agile in the defensive areas, covering the areas well to frustrate Real Sociedad. Made a huge block early in the second half and also came up with some important clearances.

CB – Matthijs de Ligt – 7/10

The Dutchman held together a strong defensive line, not allowing the opposition attackers much space. He made several clearances and won duels too.

LCB – Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5/10

Even in a left centre-back role, Mazraoui was effective and an engine. He came up with several key tackles and read moves well to clear the ball out of danger. Ran out of energy late on, but fortunately, that didn’t hurt his side.

RWB – Diogo Dalot – 5.5/10

Dalot scuffed a big scoring chance in the 19^th minute by failing to play Hojlund into a 1v1 chance. Created one for Fernandes later and had a header saved.

CM – Casemiro – 7/10

Casemiro was efficient with his work in regaining possession for his side and disrupting the opponents’ movement. He popped up in the right areas to make important challenges and helped recover possession many times.

CM – Bruno Fernandes – 4.5/10

Fernandes missed a big chance in the first half from close range. Lacked that spark with his passes, not being able to create anything noteworthy. Then gave away a penalty with a sloppy handball.

LWB –  Patrick Dorgu – 5.5/10

Dorgu showcased a lot of energy and desire with his bursting runs through the left flank. However, the majority of his final product was poor as he couldn’t land those clutch passes.

RAM – Alejandro Garnacho – 5.5/10

Garnacho had a very topsy-turvy performance against Real Sociedad. He missed a few big chances in both halves, often putting shots into the side netting. At least found Zirkzee well for his goal.

LAM – Joshua Zirkzee – 8/10

Zirkzee was excellent with his link-up play and overall movement, maintaining an aura of unpredictability. Worked hard to help his side get forward and then scored a beautiful goal from outside the box. Made up after the poor display in the FA Cup loss to Fulham.

CF – Rasmus Hojlund – 6/10

Hojlund had a sharp start to the game, with his movement troubling Real Sociedad. He created a few chances for teammates, but his final product was still awry.

Sub – Christian Eriksen – 6/10

Couldn’t create anything big after coming on and was too careful with his passes.

Sub – Toby Collyer – 6/10

Added a burst of energy to his side in the final stages.

Sub – Victor Lindelof – 6/10

Ensured his side didn’t concede a late goal.

Manager – Ruben Amorim – 6.5/10

Amorim had his side motivated and well set up for the majority of the game. He ensured that they pretty much built their counter-attacks, but the final product is still not convincing. His management after United took the lead was questionable as the Red Devils lost momentum in the final stages and were lucky to go away with a draw.

Sportsdunia’s man of the match for this match goes to Joshua Zirkzee.

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