Mikel Oyarzabal ’s penalty cancelled out Joshua Zirkzee ’s opener as Real Sociedad and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw in the Europa League. The two teams will head to Old Trafford next week for the second leg of this last-16 tie knowing that victory will take them into the quarter-final.

Zirkzee lacks the requisite quality but not the character. Four days after his limp penalty gave Fulham victory in the FA Cup shootout, this was a laudable response to that disappointment. United fans serenaded Zirkzee jubilantly this time after his sorrowful send-off on Sunday. It was his second goal in 17 games and sixth for the club.