Manchester United Held to 1-1 Draw by Real Sociedad in Europa League
Manchester United have work to do if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad on Thursday.
The Red Devils took the lead in their last 16 first leg tie in San Sebastien through striker Joshua Zirkzee, before Mikel Oyarzabal equalized for the hosts from the penalty spot. With neither side able to find a winning goal, the tie remains balanced heading into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
Despite enduring a challenging season overall, United remain in contention to claim the Europa League trophy for the first time since their 2017 triumph under Jose Mourinho.
United Eye Fenerbahce’s Young Defensive Talent
As the summer transfer window approaches, head coach Ruben Amorim appears keen to strengthen his defensive options. According to reports from CaughtOffside, Manchester United scouts have been monitoring 19-year-old Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek.
The teenage center-back, who graduated from Fenerbahce’s youth academy, made his senior debut last season and has since established himself in Jose Mourinho’s squad. Akcicek has impressed this term with:
- 14 appearances across all competitions
- 6 matches in the Europa League campaign
- Consistent performances that have caught the eye of top European clubs
United scouts have reportedly been impressed by the youngster’s performances, prompting serious consideration of a move for the Turkish defender.
However, the Red Devils face significant competition for Akcicek’s signature, with Premier League rivals also showing interest:
- Arsenal
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Brighton and Hove Albion
Beyond England, several European powerhouses are also monitoring the defender, including:
- Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich from Germany
- Ajax from the Netherlands
- Napoli from Italy
- Atletico Madrid from Spain
Fenerbahce maintain a strong negotiating position regarding any potential transfer, as Akcicek’s current contract runs until 2028. This long-term agreement will likely influence the asking price for the promising defender should formal approaches be made this summer.
The interest in Akcicek highlights Manchester United’s focus on recruiting young defensive talent as part of their squad rebuilding process under Amorim. With their current backline struggling with consistency issues throughout the season, strengthening defensive options appears to be a priority for the upcoming transfer window.
Want the latest Manchester United transfer updates? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and breaking news about United’s summer transfer targets. Don’t miss out on following the Red Devils’ pursuit of Europe’s most exciting young talent!