Joshua Zirkzee’s early goal had put Manchester United in a strong position against Real Sociedad, but Ruben Amorim’s side failed to hold on for a crucial victory in San Sebastian.

The Dutch striker gave United an early advantage in their Europa League round of 16 clash, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to level the score from the penalty spot. The equalizer came after a VAR review penalized Bruno Fernandes for handball, shifting momentum in favor of the Spanish side.

Real Sociedad pressed hard for a winner in the closing stages, with substitute Orri Oskarsson coming close twice. His first effort was narrowly off target under pressure from Leny Yoro, while his second attempt forced a crucial stoppage-time save from Andre Onana.

United struggled in the final minutes, with head coach Ruben Amorim citing fatigue as a key factor. However, Zirkzee had his own perspective on the team’s late struggles.

Zirkzee Expresses Frustration

Reflecting on the match, the former Bologna forward pointed to United’s inability to maintain composure after conceding.

“If you look at how the stadium reacted to the penalty and how they pressed after the goal, you could tell they needed it,” Zirkzee said. “I think we should have stayed calm and continued playing our game. We lost control a little after that.”

He continued, “We had more to gain from this match. The penalty was unfortunate—I’m still not sure exactly what happened there. But it just proves that we need to be more ruthless with our chances. We created enough opportunities. A draw away isn’t bad, but now they have to come to Old Trafford.”

Zirkzee also suggested that United could have come away with more from the game. “If you analyze the chances we created, we should have scored another. We were up against a strong team, but we should have done better.”

Amorim Acknowledges Turning Point

For Amorim, the penalty incident played a pivotal role in the outcome. “We played well up until the penalty decision,” he admitted. “That moment shifted the momentum, and we struggled to recover.”

Despite the disappointing result, the head coach singled out Zirkzee for praise. The Dutchman had been under scrutiny after missing a crucial penalty in United’s FA Cup exit against Fulham, but he responded with a strong performance in Spain.

“He deserved this goal because he’s been working really hard,” Amorim said. “He’s improving in different aspects of his game, and tonight he was crucial for us.”

Manchester United will now turn their focus to the second leg at Old Trafford on March 13. Before that, however, they face a major Premier League showdown against Arsenal, which could have a significant impact on their domestic campaign

Manchester United’s head coach Ruben Amorim has strongly hinted that another promising academy talent is nearing his first-team debut.

Rising star Harry Amass has been included in United’s squad for their crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, marking a significant step in his development.

When asked about Amass’s selection in the 18-man squad, Amorim explained (via ManUtd.com):

“Amass is with us today. In the previous match against Fulham, we wanted to include him, but he had just played a full game against Arsenal, so we decided against it.

“We try to balance all the teams and anticipate our substitutions. We understand that bringing in young players is a major step, so we carefully manage their expectations.”

A Golden Opportunity for Amass

At just 17 years old, Amass is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Manchester United’s academy. He has frequently been part of the first-team matchday squads, gaining vital exposure to elite-level football.

Former manager Erik ten Hag previously included him in United’s pre-season tour of the United States. However, despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being sidelined with injuries, Amass was not given a first-team opportunity at the time, with Ten Hag expressing concerns about whether he was physically ready for senior football.

Amorim’s Trust in Amass

Amorim disclosed that he had initially planned to feature Amass in United’s recent match against Fulham. However, with Patrick Dorgu serving a suspension, the manager opted to use Diogo Dalot as a left wing-back instead.

His inclusion in the squad against Real Sociedad indicates Amorim’s growing confidence in the young left-back. While Amass was linked with a loan move in January, United ultimately decided to keep him, unable to find a club with a strong enough development plan for his growth.

With Amorim already handing Chido Obi his debut, Amass could be the next academy talent to make his first senior appearance before the season concludes. Given his immense potential, a breakthrough moment might not be far away.

Manchester United’s turbulent season hit another setback as they suffered a heartbreaking FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham, losing on penalties.

With their Premier League campaign falling apart, currently sitting 14th in the table, securing European football via the league seems highly unlikely. This leaves the Europa League as their sole opportunity to salvage the season with silverware and a potential route back to the Champions League.

As the summer transfer window approaches, United are already assessing options to bolster their squad, particularly under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, who is expected to lead a major rebuild.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Red Devils have now set their sights on Sporting CP forward Francisco Trincão as a potential reinforcement in attack.

The 25-year-old winger has a release clause of £66 million in his current contract, which runs until 2027 at the Estádio José Alvalade. Having joined Sporting from Barcelona, the Spanish giants still hold a 50% sell-on clause, making negotiations more complex.

Sporting are reluctant to part ways with Trincão and have already initiated discussions with his representatives over a possible contract extension. However, Manchester United aren’t the only club interested. Reports suggest Manchester City are also in pursuit, with their incoming sporting director, Hugo Viana, eager to bring the Portuguese attacker to the Etihad Stadium.

Trincão primarily operates as a left-footed right-winger and has thrived in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Sporting, playing behind Viktor Gyökeres. His versatility allows him to also function as a second striker or attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset for any top club.

So far this season, he has registered nine goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his ability to influence games in the final third. Having previously experienced Premier League football during a loan spell with Wolves, he could seamlessly adapt if he returns to England.

With the summer transfer window looming, should Manchester United make the move and activate Trincão’s £66 million release clause