Manchester United’s hopes of qualification in the Europa League were dealt a blow as Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback to earn a hard-fought draw. The outcome puts United with an uphill struggle ahead of them, with the Europa League now their most likely route back to the Champions League.
United started strongly with a first-half clinical goal, looking comfortable for most of the game. But Sociedad would not give up, scoring an equalizer in stoppage time after continuous pressure. The Spanish outfit’s relentless attack revealed United’s defense vulnerabilities, casting doubts about their capacity to compete in decisive knockout matches.
With domestic top-four prospects disappearing, Erik ten Hag’s players now need to regroup and deliver in their final Europa League games to still be in Champions League contention. The fans were frustrated, on the other hand, as United failed to build on early supremacy, allowing Sociedad pinch a vital point.
The draw puts more pressure on United’s European push, with the return leg being a game they must win if they are to revive their season.
