Zirkzee and Onana keep United on the level

In the end, two outstretched hands were decisive. The first, from Bruno Fernandes, probably denied Manchester United their victory; the second, from André Onana, definitely denied Real Sociedad theirs.

- Sid Lowe

United deservedly got themselves into a first-leg lead when Joshua Zirkzee guided a side-footed shot beyond Alex Remiro that appeared to set them up for a win and potentially even one big enough to virtually see them through. But an eagle eye and a video replay revived their Basque opponents, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to equalise from the spot with 20 minutes left and in the last of those they nearly scored again. Which was when a figure in yellow flew to the rescue.

Ultimately, a 1-1 draw is not a bad result for United, and Onana's sensational save from Orri Óskarsson ensured that they return to Old Trafford level but frustrated. "It could be better, it could be worse," Ruben Amorim said. It also offered little evidence that United have overcome their most pressing, immediate problems. Instead, it highlighted flaws, leaving them to reflect on the moments when they could have provided the final pass and, in particular, applied the finish.

"It is clear we have to be more clinical," Amorim said. "We're creating chances. Sometimes you don't see that in the xG because we manage not to shoot. Sometimes we are missing something." The manager talked of United's "anxiousness" to score here, a mental block that needs to be broken, and there is tiredness to deal with too. That, Amorim said, was increasingly evident in the final minutes when his side looked overrun.