Imanol Alguacil offers a hug to Ruben Amorim before Real Sociedad’s Europa League tie with Manchester United

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil labelled Manchester United “one of the best teams in Europe” after watching his side draw 1-1 with them at the Reale Arena on Thursday night.

United controlled the first three-quarters of the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tie, taking the lead through Joshua Zirkzee’s goal just before the hour mark.

But a controversial penalty given for handball against Bruno Fernandes allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to level the scores ahead of the return fixture at Old Trafford next Thursday.

That leaves the tie firmly in the balance but United can take a lot of confidence from the way they played in San Sebastian, especially given the injury crisis gripping Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Alguacil was also impressed with what he saw and he was full of praise for United’s performance and the strengths they have in their team, which have been clearer to see in Europe this season than domestically, with their Premier League campaign a major disappointment.

“They have a lot of power, they have a lot of potential. They are well-organised, they come together… They force you to do a lot,” said Alguacil.

“They deserve much more. They are one of the best teams in Europe. You have to be very precise and have a lot of speed.

“They are very competitive there and we were able to hold out and draw, which is very valuable.”

Alguacil declared United one of the favourites to win that competition and knows the return leg will be tough, but his side won at Old Trafford in the group stage of this competition two years ago and that can give them belief.

“We were up against one of the favourites to win the Europa League,” he said. “In front of their fans and in their stadium we already managed to beat them at one point and seeing the team’s final moments, why not?”