Bruno Fernandes was the star of the show as Manchester United beat Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Manchester United’s captain continued his hot streak by scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
Ineos will be desperate for Ruben Amorim to win the Europa League this year to salvage what has been an otherwise awful season. Thursday’s performance kept those hopes alive.
Bruno Fernandes scored two penalties before sealing the win and his second United hat-trick late on.
Fernandes has faced criticism this season, but he now finds himself in a great run of form, leading a struggling United side by example.
After the full-time whistle against Sociedad, Ruben Amorim compared United’s captain to a Red Devils legend.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes plays same role as Ryan Giggs
Bruno Fernandes has thrived in a deeper role under Amorim, and once again he started in a midfield pivot alongside Casemiro on Thursday evening.
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Amorim is a huge admirer of Fernandes, and he trusts the Portuguese star in several roles. After beating Sociedad, the United boss explained why he decided to drop Fernandes deeper.
Via TNT Sports, Amorim explained to Scholes his thinking behind Fernandes’ positioning.
“Sometimes I need someone to take the ball to the final third, so I try to use Bruno and push Bruno a little bit back,” Amorim said.
“Like in your time you pushed Ryan Giggs back, he was one player who would come inside.
“So I’m trying to help the team, not thinking about Bruno – just about the team.”
Amorim compared Fernandes to United legend and record appearance maker Ryan Giggs, who played hundreds of times alongside Scholes in Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary United sides.
The numbers behind Bruno Fernandes masterclass vs Sociedad
Fernandes has reached a new level in recent weeks, carrying this United side to wins almost single-handedly.
Thursday’s win over Sociedad was easily United’s best performance under Amorim so far – and also the most important victory.
Once again, it was heavily inspired by Fernandes’ brilliance, and his match stats show just how much of an impact he made at Old Trafford.
Minutes played 90
Goals 3
Shots taken 6
Touches 87
Accurate passes 80% (48/60)
Key passes 4
Duels won 75% (6/8)
Bruno Fernandes match stats for Man United 4-1 Real Sociedad.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim says Man Utd have a ‘leader’ who’s ‘really quiet’ but ‘everybody listens’ to, he’s different to Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has now scored 15 goals across all competitions and continues to be United’s most creative player with four key passes completed against Sociedad.
Once Rasmus Hojlund is back scoring and United grow in confidence, so will Fernandes’ output.