Manchester United booked their Europa League quarter-final spot on Thursday with an emphatic win against Real Sociedad as their path to Bilbao became clear
08:42, 14 Mar 2025
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim saw his Manchester United side book their quarter-final place
Manchester United reiterated their case to be one of the Europa League’s big players on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim’s side delivered one of the best performances under the Portuguese as they eventually made their dominance show on the scoreline in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, taking a 5-2 aggregate win.
United found themselves a goal behind following an incredibly slow start as Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot, just as he had in the first-leg. However, the Red Devils rallied, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the first of his three goals on the night to equalise just six minutes later.
Fernandes put United ahead in the 50th minute, scoring his second penalty of the night, before qualification was secured late on as the captain sealed his hat-trick and Diogo Dalot also got on the scoresheet.
United controlled the game and will take huge confidence moving forward, with the Europa League the only piece of silverware still on offer to Amorim. Winning the competition is vital for the club as a Champions League spot and all the financial benefits that come with that, seemingly crucial to aid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to inspire United to victory
Following Thursday’s second leg games, United learned they will face Ligue 1 side Lyon in the quarter-final after the two-time Champions League semi-finalists brushed FCSB aside, winning 7-1 on average.
The first leg on April 10 will be played at the Groupama Stadium before the return leg the following week will see Old Trafford play host.
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If United progress to the semi-final, they will face either Athletic Bilbao, who overturned an aggregate deficit to Roma to win the tie 4-3, or Rangers, following their drama-filled penalty shootout triumph over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The Europa League semi-finals will be played on May 1 and 8, with the final in Bilbao’s San Mames taking place on May 21.