Manchester United’s five things noticed as poor decisions from two stars cost the win vs Real Sociedad

Five things noticed as Manchester United came away from the first leg of their Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad with a 1-1 draw on Thursday evening.

Rúben Amorim chose to keep Rasmus Højlund at striker and make three changes as Manchester United lined up to face Real Sociedad in Spain during the first of a two-legged Europa League knockout tie on Thursday evening.

In the opening few minutes, United controlled the ball and the tempo of the game. However, Amorim’s team failed to provide any significant threat on goal until the 37th minute when Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes had shots blocked on the line.

Sociedad grew into the game toward the end of the first half, but they could not make it count. With the second half underway, United struck first after Zirkzee finished off a good cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho, handing Amorim a much-needed lead.

However, Sociedad were later awarded a penalty after an unfortunate handball in the area from Fernandes, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted with 20 minutes to play.

Amorim then threw on Christian Eriksen to replace Garnacho in attack, but it was Sociedad who had the best chances leading into the final minutes, and a big save from André Onana kept the tie level before the referee’s whistle drew the curtains on a 1-1 draw in Spain.

#1 – Amorim made a tactical tweak

With United kicking off, it became immediately apparent that Amorim had made a tactical tweak, with Zirkzee starting on the left and Alejandro Garnacho on the right. However, as the game wore on, it became clear that the head coach wanted them both to switch sides continually.

There were also moments where Zirkzee was spotted playing through the middle, with Højlund moving to the right and United looked a little more threatening with the front three exchanging positions frequently.

United still failed to score in the first half from open play (again), but in the second half, the fluid front free paid off with Zirkzee’s goal, although the front three stuck to their positions once Eriksen replaced Garnacho.

#2 – There are still poor decisions in key moments

Despite United’s dominance with the ball in the first half, it was still concerning to see that some decisions made by United players were hindering them.

The worst in the first 45 minutes was Diogo Dalot not flinging a ball into Højlund despite a clear opportunity for a cross, while Garnacho made a few questionable decisions, choosing to shoot over passing to a teammate in a scenario where playing someone else through would have been better.

In the second half, the side made some better and safer decisions, although they can count themselves lucky that the home side did not finish two good chances toward the end of the game.

#3 – Dalot must be given a rest

Dalot’s first half against Sociedad was not the best of his career, with the player making some questionable decisions in attack while being lucky not to receive a yellow card.

He must be credited for his good work in the build-up to Zirkzee’s goal and, in general, put in a better defensive shift in the second half, but his attacking play and decision-making still has to be questioned.

Dalot has started 21 fixtures in a row for United, playing every possible minute apart from missing 60 against Arsenal due to a red card and nine against FC Plzen, and it may be time for the player to be given a rest.

#4 – Garnacho must learn to be more selfless

As mentioned earlier, Garnacho often chose to shoot instead of pass when it may not have been the best option, but he made up for these decisions when he finally decided to find Zirkzee for the opening goal instead of shooting.

Read More: Player Ratings – Real Sociedad vs Manchester United (Europa League)

This is something he must learn to do more, especially if he’s playing on the right, with his strong right foot providing a good crossing option that can feed Højlund and Zirkzee.

It was his last significant involvement before being replaced by Eriksen with 15 minutes left to play.

#5 – Positives to take ahead of the second leg

There are perinatally some positives for Amorim to take back to Old Trafford, with his side generally setting up well and sticking to his game plan, although individual decisions cost United the win.

It was probably the most solid performance his team have put in across 90 minutes in the last six weeks, which will give him and his side confidence going into the ties against Arsenal and the second leg.

However, it is very much all to play for once Sociedad visit Old Trafford, with both teams no doubt looking at the second leg as a chance to put a real claim to the Europa League trophy.

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