Martin Zubimendi’s return to Real Sociedad’s starting lineup against Manchester United on Thursday drew considerable attention, as he had missed the first leg in Spain due to illness. With Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly monitoring the 26-year-old midfielder—whom both clubs had pursued unsuccessfully last summer—fans were eager to evaluate his performance. Arsenal, in particular, is rumored to be closely observing Zubimendi, potentially preparing to activate his £51 million release clause.
However, his performance at Old Trafford did not impress all spectators. After just 45 minutes, some Arsenal supporters on social media expressed doubts about whether Zubimendi could effectively address their midfield concerns. Many were underwhelmed by his first-half display and questioned his suitability for the team. One user on X remarked, “The only time I’ve seen Zubimendi truly stand out was for Spain against England in the Euros. Every time I watch him play for Real Sociedad, he seems average. What makes him so special that top European clubs are after him?” Another fan was even more critical, writing, “Zubimendi is dreadful. Forget about signing him—let’s get Bruno Guimarães instead.” A third Arsenal supporter echoed similar sentiments: “Zubimendi is painfully average. He doesn’t improve our squad at all.”
In contrast, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee delivered a standout performance in the same match. The young striker, who had faced criticism following a missed penalty in United’s FA Cup loss to Fulham, showed resilience and determination. In the 57th minute, he capitalized on a well-constructed move to score, giving United a deserved lead. This goal, his first in European competition for the club, highlighted his talent and perseverance.
The game was not without controversy. A VAR decision resulted in a penalty for Real Sociedad after Bruno Fernandes was penalized for a handball. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot-kick, leveling the match and setting up an intense second leg. Despite the draw, Fernandes praised Zirkzee’s performance, remarking, “At first, I wondered if he was really from this planet because he hadn’t shown such an impressive display before. He stood up for us when we needed it most. I’m happy for him and even have a special gift for him as the captain.”
Zirkzee’s performance was a significant moment in his United career, demonstrating his potential to become a crucial player in the team’s attacking setup. His goal boosted his confidence, and with the Red Devils preparing to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, there is hope he can maintain this form. Fernandes emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “We need him to perform like that against Arsenal.”
United’s upcoming clash with Arsenal is a pivotal match in their season. The team has faced ups and downs, and a strong performance against the Gunners could reignite their campaign. Manager Ruben Amorim will aim to harness the momentum from the Sociedad game, particularly as tensions have surfaced within the squad—most notably when Rasmus Højlund expressed frustration over a missed crossing opportunity from Diogo Dalot. Amorim has stressed the need for unity and teamwork moving forward.
Meanwhile, Zubimendi’s name continues to be linked with Arsenal, despite the mixed opinions from fans. Some supporters are optimistic that his arrival could strengthen the midfield, while others argue that the club should prioritize signing a striker instead. Pundit Jamie Carragher offered a different perspective on the matter, suggesting on *Monday Night Football* that Arsenal’s struggles extend beyond their lack of a goal-scoring forward. Speaking on *Sky Sports*, Carragher stated, “Forget chasing a number nine. The priority might be adding more creative players. It looks like they’re targeting [Martin] Zubimendi this summer to possibly replace [Thomas] Partey in that holding midfield role. He’s a different type of player, and bringing in more creativity could make Arsenal more competitive in the Premier League next season.”
Zubimendi’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly after Real Sociedad’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on March 2, 2025. He was substituted at halftime due to injury concerns, raising alarms within the club. This issue also kept him out of the March 6 Europa League match against Manchester United, where Sociedad suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat, leading to a 5-2 aggregate elimination from the competition.
Despite these setbacks, Zubimendi has previously demonstrated his potential. In Sociedad’s victory over Espanyol on February 9, 2025, he played the full 90 minutes and received praise from Spanish media for his contribution.
As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will follow through on their interest in Zubimendi or shift their focus elsewhere.
