Criticised Man United star given positive verdict after best performance
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Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrate
Alejandro Garnacho has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after his hattrick against Real Sociedad
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester United will progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after soundly beating Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday - and fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are buzzing to see a strong and convincing performance after a string of disappointing outings, and wondering if the team are turning a corner at last.
Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a penalty, following a challenge from Matthijs de Ligt. It would be the last piece of good news for the Spanish side, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice from penalties and another late on to secure a hat-trick.
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Diogo Dalot would get a fourth in injury time, and United's job was made easier thanks to a red card issued to Jon Aramburu for the challenge that would lead to Fernandes' second goal. Rasmus Hojlund performed well too, getting an assist and being a constant nuisance for a beleaguered Real Sociedad defence.
Star man Bruno Fernandes was quick to praise Hojlund for his work, saying: "He is a striker and strikers are all about goals. He is going to be criticised by scoring or not scoring from the outside. But for us in the dressing room, we want Rasmus to score as many as he can. But at the same time, we need to understand every movement he does.
"He got the penalty for the first goal and he did a lot movements to attract people. For my last goal, he attracts the defender near him that gave me the space to go from the outside, so it is a lot things that he does that on the outside that probably won't get seen, but we see it. "
Reader Tankjr says: “I could easily single Dorgu out for his performance and great sportsmanship, but in truth all our players operating in the flanks did amazing, much like everyone working inside had a great game, and Onana's passing game was great too. It was a good night for us, to the extent I can't think of any negatives about the players, they all played well, worked hard and entertained. Brilliant that players like Dorgu, Heaven and Collyer are all finding there way, and great to see Casemiro (and Eriksen come on) make excellent senior contributions too.”
Jungle Jerry writes: “United are starting to look like a team over the last 3 matches. The first half wasn't good but we played much better in the 2nd half. The back line with young Heaven looked secure. De Ligt's style of play was like a warrior, while Mazraoui was calm.”
TimmyB_ says: “This team showed massive stones tonight. A joke VAR pen at the end of the first game, followed immediately by a joke VAR pen to start this game. They could have folded the tent, but they didn't. Are we ready to challenge for the Premier League? Heavens no. But look at the players who were out there, and how they all stood up to the challenge.”
FreddiePayne writes: “A really good performance, from all of them. It was really good to watch them harassing and getting stuck in for a change, and there seemed to be more pace and positivity in all of them. Zirkzee and Hojlund were terrific tonight, and unlucky for both of them not to get on the score sheet.”
Theoptomist says: “Well that was more like it! I think we are seeing a bit more of how Amorin wants us to play. Dorgu is exactly what is needed from a wingback. He positions himself higher up the pitch and has a great engine. What a debut from Heaven, a real ball playing defender. He was always looking to pass forward or bring the ball out himself. Lots still to learn but he looks a great prospect. Very positive!”
Cho. Jay. writes: “Thought the whole team played well tonight. We played some nice stuff and created a lot of chances. Everyone had the right attitude. Obviously we need to get our forward players scoring, but if they keep going like that then it's just a matter of time. I think you can see some confidence growing lately.”
Busbybabes says: “Well done lads. Proud of you all tonight. If only Hojlund played like this every game, he would become a hero at United. Bruno was exceptional and Zirkzee superb too. Top marks to Ruben for what was the best performance for many games.”
Bazred1 writes: “Even with so many still out injured, this was a very positive performance. Yes they were down to 10 men, but how many times have we seen the 10 men play out of their skin. Hope that's it's a bit of a turning point, and still have a cup to play for. Good result.”
StephenTaylor123 agrees: “The best team performance of the season . Not one player played badly for me tonight, and I haven't been able to say that too often in these last couple of years.”
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Have your say! Is this a turning point for Ruben Amorim, Rasmus Hojlund and Manchester United? How far can they go in the Europa League? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.