Ruben Amorim gives his verdict on Rasmus Hojlund’s rant at ‘criminal’ Diogo Dalot as Man United are left frustrated by draw at Real Sociedad

Man United were left ruing an opportunity missed after Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in their Europa League last-16 first-leg encounter.

Ruben Amorim’s side took a 57-minute lead in San Sebastian through Joshua Zirkzee’s first goal in Europe but were pegged back by a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, awarded after a review by the video assistant referee for a handball by Bruno Fernandes.

That penalty decision was symptomatic of a night of frustration for Man United in which they missed a number of opportunities to take control of the tie, perhaps none more so than when Diogo Dalot found himself in space on the right.

With the chance to cross, forward Rasmus Hojlund was approaching the penalty area with speed and had lost his marker. He called for a cross, but Dalot instead decided to cut inside when a simple ball across goal would likely have resulted in a tap in.

The Dane has not scored for three months and the incident was reminiscent of last season when Hojlund complained to then manager Erik ten Hag that his team-mates were not passing to him. 

Hojlund was left fuming at Dalot and Man United legend Paul Scholes was just as angry at the Portuguese.

‘It has been comfortable for United, an easy half of football,’ the former midfielder told TNT Sports at half time.

‘They should be ahead, Dalot should have squared it to Hojlund. They have dangerous players but haven’t been a threat.

‘The frustrating thing is we watched them practice that. For Dalot not to see it is criminal. He has made a good run, you are a right back, for any right back in world football to not see that is criminal.’

Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s forward options are limited in Europe by the fact starlet Chido Obi is ineligible.

The 17-year-old impressed during the club’s FA Cup exit to Fulham on Sunday but was not registered for the Europa League last month.

Hojlund is therefore virtually guaranteed to start in the competition and Amorim appeared to be treading a diplomatic line when he was asked about the incident with Dalot in his post-match press conference. 

‘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.’

And that next opportunity will come on Sunday when they host Arsenal in the Premier League before Tuesday’s reverse fixture with Real Sociedad.