NO English football fan will easily forget the name Mikel Oyarzabal.

He was the Spain striker who scored the late winner that shattered Three Lions hopes in the Euro 2024 final.

3Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring for Manchester United in SpainCredit: Reuters

3Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty for handball, awarded by VARCredit: TNT SPORTS

3Mikel Oyarzabal then netted the equalizer from the penalty spotCredit: Getty

Eight months later, he was at it again – the calmest player on the field as he slotted home the penalty that keeps this Europa League tie very much alive.

It meant more penalty heartache for Ruben Amorim’s side four days after they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Fulham in a shoot-out.

For a few moments in the second half, it seemed as though Manchester United would put that disappointment firmly behind them.

And there was redemption for Joshua Zirkzee, who had seen the decisive spot-kick saved by Bernd Leno before collapsing to the grass in tears.

This time he was all smiles as he tapped in a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to give the visitors a vital lead on the hour mark.

But Oyarzabal – just as he did in Berlin last summer – had the final say, leaving the tie hanging in the balance.

As is United’s season.

Ruben Amorim has attempted to downplay the significance of winning this tournament – but surely he isn’t fooling anyone.

‘I know the stakes’ – Ruben Amorim insists he’s the right choice for Man Utd but fears he may not have time to prove it

Yet despite the challenges this season, United have not lost a match in Europe – which is why they are among the favorites to reach Bilbao on May 21.

So there was everything to play for in San Sebastian – especially after their FA Cup exit.

And Amorim had to approach the match with a squad of just 18 – and only five outfield players on the bench – as injury woes deepened.

United’s form at Old Trafford has been so poor this season that it was tough to determine what would be considered a good result here.

Yet they created the best chances in a largely forgettable first half, with the first falling to Garnacho, who cut inside but hit his shot directly at home keeper Alex Remiro.

Rasmus Hojlund was then furious with Diogo Dalot for passing up the chance to set him up, opting instead to return to Garnacho.

The Danish forward hasn’t found the net since mid-December – and it’s no surprise with that kind of service from the wings.

Like United, Sociedad appeared to lack confidence or energy early on.

They have reserved their best performances for cup competitions this season and currently sit in mid-table in their league.

But star player Martin Zubimendi – who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool over the past year – was sidelined due to illness.

He’s expected to return for the rematch next week, which only heightened the sense that this was United’s chance to seize control of the tie.

They had chances to do so as well – particularly when Dalot made the right decision – cutting it back for skipper Bruno Fernandes.

His shot was blocked by Aritz Elustondo, and the rebound fell to Joshua Zirkzee, who was denied by Remiro before sending the loose ball wide.

Fernandes returned the favor to his fellow Portuguese when his searching chip was met by Dalot’s head, but his effort lacked the necessary power.