Manchester United thrashed Real Sociedad to secure progress to the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim will have been smiling on his way home last night after watching his side finally begin to click.
Manchester United were utterly dominant, beating Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford. Three of the goals came from Bruno Fernandes with two from the penalty spot and a third late on after a quick break.
Bruno broke two Europa League records in the game, but he wasn’t alone in catching the eye on a good night for the club.
Wes Brown said Patrick Dorgu was ‘brilliant’ in the win as he proved a constant threat on the left side. Bruno lauded Rasmus Hojlund’s outing for doing unseen things, which he and the United team appreciate.
However, there were even more standout players with one being praised by Amorim after the win.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho shines on the right for Manchester United
There were so many impressive players for United against Sociedad that the majority were excluded from immediate recognition.
One who Amorim didn’t forget to herald was Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine putting in a very positive performance, this time on the right side of the attack.
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Garnacho provided the assist for Bruno’s hat-trick, while also being positive throughout, which caused Amorim to praise him post-game while speaking with TNT Sports.
“He has shown me so many things on the right, maybe better than on the left. I’m still learning about the team.”
Amorim has clearly been impressed by Garnacho’s performance on the right as he was so direct and positive on the ball against Sociedad, regularly getting to the line to either cross or set up another to cross.
It is still early days for Amorim, as he continues learning about his players and now it seems he has learned that he needs to play Garnacho on the right side.
Alejandro Garnacho stats for Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
Garnacho is still far from being the perfect attacker for United, but aged 20 he absolutely shouldn’t be just yet. What matters is that he is learning and improving in areas which Amorim will be delighted with.
Most encouragingly will be the improvements in Garnacho’s work rate and pressing as on a number of occasions he led the high press and won the ball or made a tackle on the Sociedad defender to get Old Trafford pumped.
Alejandro Garnacho vs Sociedad
90 minutes
1 assist
4 chances created
3 shots
49 touches
3 dribbles
3 crosses
1 tackle
2 interceptions
4 defensive actions
6 recoveries
2 duels won
Garnacho is slowly embedding himself in the Amorim system, with performances that will be encouraging to the head coach, with it all likely to eventually click.
Having Garnacho on the right makes up for Diogo Dalot not providing the best offensive outlet, with Dorgu balancing things out on the other side.
It is now two European games in a row that Garnacho has played on the right and he’s got two assists in this time. This is of course a throwback to last season when Garnacho was so good for Erik ten Hag on the right wing.