Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee was brilliant again, despite the club being held to a 1-1 Europa League draw by Real Sociedad.
After a drab first half, United took the lead just before the hour-mark through Zirkzee, who got on the end of a cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho to send the ball into the back of the net.
Sociedad barely posed any threat until they were awarded a penalty by the referee after Bruno Fernandes was judged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot-kick, sending Andre Onana the wrong way to restore parity.
United have it all to play for in the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
Beyond his strike, Zirkzee’s overall game was good and he was one of the very few United players who actually stood out and looked like they wanted to win.
His passing was composed and he barely gave away possession. His link-up play and holding up of the ball were also fantastic, helping United get higher up the pitch.
As is usually the case with Zirkzee, there was some incredible footwork and he used his body well.
During the time he was on the pitch before being substituted, the Netherlands international fired two shots – one of which beat Alex Remiro, but the other didn’t test the Sociedad goalkeeper.
Zirkzee embarked on one dribble, which he completed. He could have had two goals to his name but missed a big chance in the first half.
The former Bologna man touched the ball 45 times and managed to find his teammates with 21 of the 27 passes he attempted.
He successfully connected with the one long ball he pinged. Zirkzee won three of the six ground duels he contested and came out on top in four of the aerial challenges he vied for.
The 23-year-old made two clearances and as many tackles and interceptions.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
It was an impressive performance from Zirkzee, whose redemption arc at United – after a difficult start – continues. Ruben Amorim’s men are back in action on Sunday when they face Arsenal.
Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
