Bruno Fernandes scored twice from the penalty spot against Real SociedadBruno Fernandes scored twice from the penalty spot against Real Sociedad
Bruno Fernandes scored twice from the penalty spot against Real Sociedad | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd player ratings from the Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad.
Bruno Fernandes and Ayden Heaven shone for Manchester United as they came from behind to defeat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night. The visitors took an early lead from the penalty spot, before a Fernandes hat-trick and another from Diogo Dalot sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Ruben Amorim made three changes to his starting line up with Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund selected in place of Victor Lindelof, Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen. Sociedad started as the better of the two sides and they took the lead within ten minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way from the penalty spot.
United began the match poorly but found the perfect response within five minutes when Fernandes levelled from the spot after Hojlund had been fouled in the area. They should have had a second before the break as Hojlund shot wide from close range before Dorgu sent a tame effort straight at the goalkeeper.
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Those misses could have cost United but started the second-half strong and soon had a second when Fernandes scored from the spot again after Dorgu had been fouled. Things soon got even better when Sociedad were reduced to 10-men as Jon Aramburu was sent off for a cynical foul on the lively Dorgu.
Fernandes sealed the win when he completed his hat-trick with a fine finish on the counter-attack, and Dalot added a fourth late on with a fine finish from inside the box. Here is how we rated the United players on a memorable Old Trafford night:
Manchester United player ratings vs Real Sociedad
Andre Onana - 6
There was nothing he could do about the goal and he made some comfortable saves afterward. A very quiet second-half, which he won’t be complaining about.
Noussair Mazraoui - 7
He was calm and composed at the back, as we've come to expect this season. He has been better at centre-back than wing-back. Almost had an assist when he chipped the ball back for Joshua Zirkzee.
Matthijs de Ligt - 6
A clumsy challenge for the penalty, but he was otherwise good in the backline and rarely looked troubled. He also posed a constant threat from set-pieces.
Ayden Heaven - 8
An exciting display on his first ever start. There were a few careless passes but he constantly asked for the ball and didn't look out of place. Amorim has a very exciting raw talent on his hands.
Diogo Dalot - 7
He saw a lot of the ball and relished the freedom he was granted to attack down the right wing. One of his better wing-back displays and he capped it with a very good finish.
Casemiro - 8
His fine form continued with another impressive midfield display. He played a key role in winning the first United penalty and was a calming presence throughout. The slower pace suited him well.
Bruno Fernandes - 9
The main man for United yet again. A hat-trick to seal the win for his side when it mattered most. He will win their Player of the Season award again.
Patrick Dorgu - 7
Another encouraging performance from the latest signing. He posed a threat in the final third but lacked end product. Good work to win the second penalty and his lightning pace won the red card.
Alejandro Garancho - 6
He worked hard but didn't have much joy in attack again. Made some important defensive contributions for his side but could lose his place once Mason Mount is fit.
Joshua Zirkzee - 8
He played with the freedom that is crucial to his game and worked tirelessly for his side. An excellent pass that led to the pivotal red card.
Rasmus Hojlund - 7
He worked hard for his team in attack and won them the penalty from which Bruno Fernandes equalised. A night in which his physicality was not a problem.
Toby Collyer - 6
He gave United energy in midfield to see out the win but picked up a silly booking in the dying minutes of the match.
Christian Eriksen - N/A
He was not on the pitch long enough to be fairly rated this time.
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