Ultimately, the presence of two outstretched palms was the deciding factor. Manchester United’s triumph was likely denied by the first goal, scored by Bruno Fernandes, while Real Sociedad’s victory was undoubtedly denied by the second goal, scored by André Onana.
United deservedly established a first-leg lead when Joshua Zirkzee sent a side-footed effort beyond Alex Remiro, which appeared to position them for a victory and potentially a victory that would virtually secure their progression. However, their Basque opponents were miraculously revived by a video replay and an astute eye, enabling Mikel Oyarzabal to equalize from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining. In the final minute, they came dangerously close to scoring once more. This was the moment when a figure in yellow ascended to the rescue.
In the end, United’s 1-1 draw was not a terrible outcome, and Onana’s remarkable save from Orri Óskarsson guaranteed that they would return to Old Trafford feeling level but frustrated. Ruben Amorim stated, “It could be worse, it could be better.” Additionally, it provided scant evidence that United has successfully resolved their most urgent and imminent challenges. Conversely, it emphasized deficiencies, prompting individuals to contemplate the instances in which they could have executed the final pass and, in particular, applied the finish.
Amorim stated, “It is evident that we must adopt a more clinical approach.” “We are generating opportunities.” Occasionally, the xG does not display this information due to our ability to avoid shooting. Occasionally, we are deficient in a particular aspect The manager discussed United’s “anxiety” to score in this location, a mental barrier that must be overcome, in addition to the fatigue that is present. Amorim stated that this was increasingly apparent in the final minutes, when his team appeared to be in a precarious position.
There is an element that is more fundamental and profound than that. The game commenced with United’s players anticipating a lengthy punt in their direction, and for the majority of the opening period, it appeared that this had established the tone. Shortly thereafter, Fernandes glanced upward, requested movement, and executed a lengthy diagonal that was also rendered ineffective. The game was imprecise and cautious. It was eloquent when Beñat Turrientes stumbled and his shot dribbled apologetically wide. The referee, Ivan Kruzliak, promptly pointed to his watch and instructed Onana to hurry up. They had only been playing for 18 minutes, and the game was already beginning to meander.
The fact that Real Sociedad had a greater amount of possession and posed little threat at least provided United with a space to escape, as evidenced by the release of Diogo Dalot by Noussair Mazraoui. Rasmus Højlund was shouting for it for the first time within the vicinity; however, Dalot slowed down, turned around, and proceeded to Garnacho. Patrick Dorgu sliced over, and the opportunity was squandered. Højlund justified his dissatisfaction by making it very apparent. Amorim stated, “The decision was not the best.” “The crucial aspect is to progress and refrain from continuing to engage in conflict.”
Additionally, the subsequent occasion was superior, at least in terms of its initial execution. Dalot was liberated by a remarkable pass, and he returned it to Fernandes at the penalty spot. Aritz Elustondo blocked Fernandes’s shot, and Zirkzee’s initial follow-up struck Remiro’s ankles before scuffing wide. The sequence of events was somewhat comical. What was Amorim’s statement? “There are certain concepts that are difficult to articulate.” Occasionally, it is a matter of chance.
At times, it is; at other times, it is simply not as effective. Dalot placed his header into Remiro’s arms without incident when Fernandes lifted a pass into the area. However, at least United was generating opportunities, which became increasingly frequent and evident as red shirts began to pour into the middle. Dorgu was able to drive the ball across the six-yard box, passing through four men, including Højlund, after a smart pass from Fernandes and a neat flick from Zirkzee. However, Garnacho struck the side netting. Fernandes then prepared Garnacho for an additional endeavor. Then, United was on the road, and Dalot provided Garnacho with a pass that drew in three defenders and set up Zirkzee for a sidefooted shot that flew through Turrientes’s knees and past Remiro.
Garnacho struck the side netting once more moments after the aforementioned transpired within eight minutes of the second half. “We were in charge.” Amorim reflected, “We were so close to securing the second that you could feel the nerves in the stadium,” but the penalty altered the outcome. In the 70th minute, Fernandes leapt with Nayef Aguerd and extended an arm that was unnoticed by the audience; however, it was observed by the video assistant referee room. Oyarzabal scored by slamming the ball past Onana from the spot. Real Sociedad’s inaugural strike on target resulted in their immediate involvement in the match.
Sheraldo Becker and Orri Óskarsson, who were substitutes, were not only involved but also striving for victory. United diminished as they fled. Real should have taken the lead when Becker’s precisely weighted delivery reached Óskarsson, and Onana brilliantly blocked a superb Brais Méndez shot. He pushed the ball wide with the outside of his right heel from a distance of six yards. Becker received the pass again, and this time, Matthijs de Ligt stumbled, but he managed to scramble it away. United was under pressure, and when Oyarzabal’s exceptional pass enabled Óskarsson to score on the 93rd minute, they required Onana to exit the field once more, with his left palm extended.
