In the first leg of the Europa League last - 16 tie on Thursday, Manchester United managed to take the lead with a goal from Joshua Zirkzee, yet they were ultimately held to a 1 - 1 draw by Real Sociedad.

During the first half against Sociedad, United had the most significant scoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes took a shot that was headed towards the goal but got blocked, and then Zirkzee's follow - up attempt was saved by the keeper.

Alejandro Garnacho had a shot that hit the side netting. However, 12 minutes into the second half, he made a pass back to Zirkzee, who was unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. The Dutch forward then took a first - time shot, which went past keeper Alex Remiro and found the back of the net, giving United the lead. But Real Sociedad equalized later, resulting in a 1 - 1 final score.

Sociedad pushed for an equaliser with Brais Mendez bending a shot just wide of the post and they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Fernandes which Mikel Oyarzabal converted to level the tie with 20 minutes remaining.

As the hosts grew in confidence, Mendez forced United keeper Andre Onana into a fine save and substitute Orri Oskarsson put a close-range effort wide but United hung on to remain the only unbeaten side in the competition this season.