“Comfortable…” Paul Scholes impressed by Manchester United duo who ran the game vs Real Sociedad

Paul Scholes has highlighted a Manchester United duo he was impressed by during the club’s 1-1 Europa League draw against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.

Manchester United’s Europa League knockout tie with Real Sociedad remains finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Joshua Zirkzee’s second-half strike gave United the lead, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty ensured the hosts left with a share of the spoils.

United controlled possession in the early stages but struggled to create clear openings. Their first real chance arrived in the 37th minute when both Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes had shots blocked on the line. Sociedad grew into the game as the first half progressed but failed to make their pressure count before the break.

Amorim’s side struck first after half-time, with Zirkzee slotting home following a clever cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho. However, United’s lead was short-lived, as a handball from Fernandes gifted Sociedad a penalty, which Oyarzabal converted with 20 minutes to play.

Seeking a late winner, Amorim introduced Christian Eriksen in place of Garnacho, but it was Sociedad who threatened most in the closing stages. André Onana was called into action to make a vital save, ensuring the tie remains level ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.

Scholes highlights United’s midfield duo

Amorim chose to continue Fernandes in a deeper role against Sociedad, with Casemiro replacing the injured Manuel Ugarte on the night in Spain.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, former United midfielder Paul Scholes explained that he was impressed with the duo’s display as the pair looked comfortable in the middle of the park.

“No, not really,” Scholes said when asked if he was worried about the return leg following the 1-1 draw. “You don’t really know what you’re going to get from Manchester United, whether it’s away or at home this year.

“I just didn’t see enough in Sociedad, really, to think they could go to Old Trafford and win. I think when you go to Old Trafford, especially, you need a bit of pace. It’s a big pitch. I didn’t see a lot of that from Sociedad down there. I thought United, in the main, were in control.

“I thought Fernandes and Casemiro, in the sense of the pitch, kept possession quite well. That’s what the manager asked for before the game. And I thought they were quite comfortable.

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“But because they’re playing against a team without that much legs, that helps them too, definitely. I thought they were in control. They didn’t create an awful lot of chances, Manchester United.

“We know Dalot should have squared it to Højlund, and that would have been another one. Garnacho had a couple of hard chances. But I expect United to be better at home next week, and I think they’ve got enough to beat Real Sociedad.”

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