Manchester United have kept their hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification alive.
A dominant 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford means Ruben Amorim’s side are through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
There is huge pressure on Amorim to win the Europa League this season to get United back into the Champions League, and a strong performance against Sociedad has kept those dreams alive.
Bruno Fernandes was the star of the show once again, scoring a hat-trick including two from the penalty spot. It was Fernandes’ second hat-trick in a United shirt.
Diogo Dalot then added to United’s lead late on after connecting with Rasmus Hojlund’s cross.
United will now play Lyon in the quarter-finals after their comfortable win over FCSB.
Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Winners
Bruno Fernandes: United’s captain fantastic was at it again. Fernandes has stepped up for United in recent weeks, leading by example and scoring some crucial goals.
He continued his hot streak at Old Trafford with two goals from the penalty spot and a well-taken finish to seal the victory. He has thrived in a deeper role under Amorim and his goal output has shown no signs of slowing down.
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Rasmus Hojlund: His wait for a goal continues, but there was plenty of promise in Hojlund’s performance against Sociedad, including a late assist for Dalot.
Hojlund’s work rate has never been in question, and he never gave up on any attack against Sociedad and caused plenty of problems up top.
That goal is coming.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Ayden Heaven: It seems United have a £1million gem on their hands. Ayden Heaven was perfect on his debut, and on his first senior start he hardly put a foot wrong.
Amorim put his faith in Ayden Heaven, and the 18-year-old is quickly making that left centre-back role his own. With Lisandro Martinez out injured for months, he can expect plenty more minutes.
Patrick Dorgu:Amorim wanted a left wing-back the moment he arrived at United, and Ineos delivered a £25m deal for Patrick Dorgu in January.
Dorgu is a perfect fit for Amorim, and he continued his strong start to life with a wonderful display against Sociedad. He won one penalty and also forced Jon Aramburu into a challenge that led to the red card.
Losers
Matthijs de Ligt: United have a habit of starting slowly and they struggled to get going early on against Sociedad. Things went from bad to worse when De Ligt brought down Mikel Oyarzabal inside the box.
De Ligt was also booked so had to walk a tightrope for the remainder of the game. He recovered well from his poor start, but he will want to – and need to – cut out those mistakes.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Victor Lindelof: United’s defence is getting better each week, and Heaven’s strong start has left no space for Victor Lindelof.
Lindelof started against Arsenal, but it was Heaven who was given the nod to start in arguably United’s biggest game of the season. Lindelof continues to be linked with an exit in the summer, and now it seems inevitable that he will be one of many who will move on.