As my mother said, 'at least you didn't lose.'

At least we didn't lose is what we've succumb to.

But we will take the draw. This was the result I predicted and was one that I would've been happy with before the match. Going away to Europe and especially a country where we struggle in, getting something from the game is always a positive and it also gives us something to take back to Old Trafford.

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Ruben Amorim obviously had issues with selection due to so many injuries but fielded as strong a side as possible, one that at least on paper, looked good enough to go out there and get a result.

That's exactly what they did but one can't help but feel disappointed that we didn't get more.

The overall match wasn't the most entertaining of watches but considering how we've been, something a bit boring is definitely something we can't complain about.

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What United managed to do was keep the San Sebastian crowd quiet and limit the home side to easy possession that didn't cause us any trouble. This was important because you know how poorly we can start matches.

And after those initial 15 minutes, United then grew into the game and started to play with more confidence. We saw the players move the ball with more purpose and got into great positions.

One particular move saw Dalot get the ball out on the right after good play but for some reason, chose against playing the simple pass into Hojlund when it was on.

This led to the striker's now customary throwing of the hands in the air in frustration as Hojlund has been subject to this sort of lack of service from his teammates for quite some time. It is a reason as to why he's goal record has been so poor even though he too, has been nowhere near good enough.

But this piece of play showed us that we were well and truly in the game and that should we continue to play in this manner, more chances will come.

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That is what we got as good play down the right once more and a first time ball into the box by Dalot, carved an opportunity for captain Bruno who had his effort blocked before the rebound from Zirkzee was blocked before a third attempt by the Dutchman saw him put the ball wide.

A great opportunity to put United in the lead.

The half ended 0-0 but gave Amorim some positives to build upon.

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In the second period, his side continued to play as they did in the first as they gave up possession to our Spanish opponents but due to good pressure and ability to win the ball back quickly, United had a lot of chances in transition.

Garnacho in particular having a couple that he should've done better with.

Eventually though, United got their just reward as Zirkzee popped up with the goods an hour in.

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More simple play from United again down the right, resulted in the Dutch forward scoring his 6th goal of the season with Garnacho getting an assist after not being involved in a goal since the 30th of January.

This strike for Zirkzee would've given him such a boost after his penalty miss on Sunday which resulted in us being knocked out.

This gave us all relief and actually made us believe that we had a chance of winning this game by more.

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As ever with United games these days however, it wasn't without some drama as a random break in play told us that there was a possible penalty for Sociedad!

It came out of nowhere and upon looking at the replay, I do believe the right decision was made. Not sure why Bruno had his hand up so high and had that been at the other end, I would've wanted a spot kick for United.

Mikel Oyazarbal makes no mistake and Sociedad are fortuitously back in it with their first shot on target.

From that point, you could see that the momentum shifted as it was the home team that grew in confidence whilst our heads dropped.

Sociedad then started to make good chances of their own with one particular opportunity from Orri Óskarsson being one he should've taken.

This time, United let off the hook.

Onana was forced into a couple of good saves towards the finish but nothing he shouldn't have been able to deal with before the match ended in the stalemate.

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Amorim will be disappointed that his players didn't make the most of those chances up front. There were more than enough to score and win the game before the penalty and an opportunity to perhaps even kill the tie.

Some of the passing and decision-making from the team would've been a let down as well because we did work the ball pretty well at times. This shows that it isn't the system as if the players can do the right things at the right times, we'll have no problems.

On the other hand, he will be content that we were solid defensively, kept the crowd quiet and were good in possession, something that he spoke about prior to the match.

Taking something from an away game in Europe is always seen as a good result and I believe we have the better chance of the two sides to go through next week.

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Ratings

Onana - 6.5

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Yoro - 6.5

De Ligt - 6.5

Mazraoui - 6.5

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Dalot - 5

Bruno - 5.5

Casemiro - 6

Dorgu - 4

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Garnacho - 6

Zirkzee - 7 MOTM

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Hojlund - 5

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Collyer - 6

Eriksen - 6

Lindelof - 6

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Ruben Amorim - 7

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Final Thoughts

Not the best of games but not the worst, by a long way.

Happy that we didn't cock up and got a good result but can't help but think we should've gotten more.

This was one of our better performances in recent times so at least we have that. Hopefully with the momentum from this game and getting players back, we can go through next week.

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Background Image: Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)