Manchester United were 1-0 up and cruising towards a first-leg win in Spain, before Real Sociedad were awarded a penalty after a review by the video assistant referee.

It was given for a handball by Bruno Fernandes, although the replays suggested the decision was a bit harsh, while no Real Sociedad players had appealed for a penalty.

“It was harsh,” former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Karen Carney told TNT Sports. “But it is the rules and we can’t argue with that.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes added: “It was a penalty. You can understand why they gave it, he stopped the lad from scoring from there.”

The penalty shifted the momentum of the game and in the end Manchester United were fortunate to leave with a draw.

They will, however, back themselves to get the job done at Old Trafford on 13 March.