Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho were identified by Spanish media as Manchester United’s two dangermen during their 1-1 UEFA Europa League match with Real Sociedad.
On Thursday evening, March 6, the Red Devils played their first game at Reale Arena. Garnacho and Zirkzee scored a goal together in the 57th minute, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty in the 70th minute ended the match. The visitors’ primary threats were the attacking duo that Ruben Amorim selected to flank Rasmus Hojlund, who was not playing well.
Diogo Dalot passed the ball out to Garnacho on the right, who found Zirkzee on the box’s edge. The Dutch forward then stroked the ball past Alex Remiro to score the first goal. The advantage was well-earned, and the striking duo played well in San Sebastian as the Reds recovered slightly from losing to Fulham in the FA Cup the previous weekend.
Spanish media: Zirkzee and Garnacho posed the greatest threat
The United pair caught the eye
With the heat mounting on the Portuguese coach, Amorim will be pleased by the encouraging performances of Garnacho and Zirkzee, even though United hasn’t had much to brag about this season. Putting Garnacho out on the right instead of the left caused some people to take notice, but the strategy succeeded because Zirkzee was the superior choice to cut into a centre number 10 position and pass the ball to an overlapping Patrick Dorgu on the left.
After last night’s match, Spanish publication AS thinks the Red Devils have the edge going back to Old Trafford. They emphasised Zirkzee and Garnacho’s performances:
“Manchester United looked for a more vertical style of football, constantly playing behind the Real Sociedad defence to take advantage of the speed of Garnacho and Zirkzee, who were the players who created the most danger.”
The goal’s explanation of how Garnacho began posing “a lot of danger” before Zirkzee was given the opportunity to shoot past Remiro also pleased them.
Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho versus Real Sociedad
The player
Garnacho Alejandro
Zirkzee, Joshua
Played Minutes
78′
88′
Objectives
0
One
Helps
One
0
Targeted shots
2.
One
Off-target shots
2.
One
Feelings
22
44
Correct Passes
11/11 (100%)
21/27 (78%)
Crucial Passes
2.
0
Long Balls (acc.)
0 (0)
One (1)
Won in Ground Duels
Four (1)
Five (2)
Won in Aerial Duels
One (0)
Six (4)
For a large portion of the season, Garnacho, 20, and Zirkzee, 23, have been the focus of conjecture on their futures. As INEOS attempted to restore the club’s financial status, the Argentina international was linked to a January departure; however, eager Napoli refused to pay their rumoured £70 million asking price. Although he hasn’t been as reliable as he was the previous season, he has been a bright spark and has been in and out of Amorim’s starting lineup.
The Red Devils mischaracterised Zirkzee when he first arrived at Old Trafford last summer, considering him a number nine although his best play is a 10. After being jeered by his own supporters during a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, he appeared to be leaving due to rumours of a move to Juventus. However, he has persevered in winning them over, and he is outperforming a struggling Hojlund.
All data is accurate as of July 3, 2025, and is provided by SofaScore.
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