Ruben Amorim says Manchester United must be more ruthless after his absentee-hit side failed to make their dominance pay as Thursday’s Europa League trip to Real Sociedad ended all square.
Sunday’s FA Cup exit to Fulham means this competition offers the Red Devils’ only route to silverware this season, and realistically to European qualification as well given they sit 14th in the Premier League.
Those circumstances increased the pressure heading into the first leg of this last-16 tie in Spain, where United did well considering they were without 11 first-team players and deservedly took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee just before the hour.
But Amorim’s men lacked a killer instinct and Sociedad scored with their first shot on target as Mikel Oyarzabal’s 70th-minute penalty sealed a 1-1 draw ahead of next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford.
“It could be better but could be worse because in the last 20 minutes I felt the team really tired,” the United head coach said.
“Until the penalty I felt the team was in control of the game. After the goal, we were so near the second goal with transitions. You felt in the stadium they were nervous.
“But in the end the penalty changed a little bit and when momentum changed we get tired more easily. We take the game to Old Trafford, and we will try to win there.”
Amorim did not want to talk about the penalty decision for a handball against Bruno Fernandes but was more forthcoming about United’s lack of cutting edge.
The Portuguese said they had a “problem with goals” after losing on penalties to Fulham at the weekend, with Zirkzee saying after the draw in San Sebastian that they needed to be more “relentless” when they have chances.
Asked if he shared the goalscorer’s view, the United boss said: “That is clear. We are creating chances but sometimes you don’t see it in the xG (expected goals) because we manage not to shoot but the great opportunity is there and you can see it.
“We have transitions, we have situations and sometimes we are missing something. That can change something, especially in these kind of games that we need goals that can make a difference.”
An example of United’s poor decision making came in the first half, when Rasmus Hojlund fumed at dilly-dallying Diogo Dalot for not crossing to him when he had a great chance to tap home.
“One thing that I am sure (about) is they are really anxious to score goals and to win games,” Amorim said.
“So, they are doing all the best and sometimes they want the best way in that position but are not deciding the best way in their position.
“But it was a clear situation. Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best.
“The important thing is to move on and not stay like then fighting. Let’s move on and into the next opportunity.”
United host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday before next Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Old Trafford.
Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil said: “We’re quite happy with the way we competed during the match. We are still alive. We know it’s going to be tough, but we have a lot of excitement.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer, sources have told ESPN, after he was named on the bench for the Europa League final.United and Garnacho's representatives are expected to have a meeting in the coming days to discuss the Argentina international's exit during the summer transfer window, a source told ESPN.The player is unhappy with the role he has pla...
Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given th...
Fernandes told to make mind up over £200m Al-Hilal moveAl-Hilal have reportedly warned Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to make a quick decision over a huge £200 million ($271m) move to Saudi Arabia.Barca could bid farewell to Torre in final La Liga gameYoung midfielder Pablo Torre's future is currently uncertain, and he could play his final game for the Catalans against Athletic C...
DONE DEAL? Al Sadd reach pre-contract terms with Barcelona midfielder PrimAl Sadd have clinched an agreement with Barcelona midfielder Pau Prim.The 19 year-old prospect comes off contract at the end of next month and Mundo Deportivo says Qatar's Al Sadd have agreed a pre-contract with the youngster.Prim will move to the Middle East in a Bosman transfer.The midfielder follows the path of Barca lege...
Atletico Madrid planning shock Real Madrid raid for RodrygoAtletico Madrid are eyeing a shock raid on Real Madrid for unhappy attacker Rodrygo Goes.Rodrygo is unsettled and unhappy at Real, convinced he will never receive the recognition he believes he deserves for what he has achieved with the club.As such, Rodrygo and his agents are considering their options, with talks with Manchester City havi...
McKenna reveals Liam Delap will leave this summer: We've given him the permission...Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that striker Liam Delap will leave the club this summer and he fully supports his decision.The England Under-21 striker will be free to leave Portman Road for just 330m this summer after the Tractor Boys were relegated to the Championship. Delap has scored 12 goals ...
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - BundesligaJonathan Tah and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement that will see the defender join the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tah will complete a long-awaited move to Vincent Kompany's side from Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires this summer, with Sky Sport reporting a deal has been struck. According to Fabrizio R...
Napoli v Cagliari - Serie AScott McTominay has been named Serie A's best player of the 2024-25 season after his key role in Napoli's title success.WHAT HAPPENED?McTominay brought an end to a fantastic debut season in Italy when he scored in Napoli's 2-0 win against Cagliari on Friday, securing the Serie A title on the final day of the season.THE BIGGER PICTUREWith 12 goals and six assists since hi...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 4 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 10 Liverpool considering transfer swoop