Manchester United stars Matthijs de Ligt and Casemiro have both looked optimistically ahead to the return fixture after drawing with Real Sociedad in their Europa League round of 16 first leg tie.
United were the better team for large parts of a clash that lacked a lot of intensity. They would eventually make their pressure count in the second half as Alejandro Garnacho's cross was confidently converted by Joshua Zirkzee.
However, with 20 minutes remaining the hosts were undeservedly level after they were awarded a penalty for Bruno Fernandes' handball, following a VAR intervention. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot to boost the home team's confidence.
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In the end, the Basque club could have won the fixture but United held on to take a credible draw back to Old Trafford for the second leg. Taking to Instagram after the final whistle, both De Ligt and Casemiro were feeling positive ahead of the return leg.
De Ligt began by posting: "Part II next week. Let’s do it together!"
Casemiro then added on his own feed: "Waiting for the second leg with our fans!!" United supporters will hope that this confidence of playing in front of their home fans will translate onto the pitch, considering the pressure riding on the Europa League this season.
The Reds' form in the Premier League has been disastrous and they have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. This means, the Europa League is realistically their last chance of qualifying for Europe next season.
Ruben Amorim has looked to dismiss the importance of success in the cup competitions for the foreseeable. He told the media this week that the priority for United is to win the Premier League and, as such, the Reds can expect some hurdles in the cups as they build towards that end goal.
