After drawing the first leg in Spain, Manchester United put in an encouraging display against Real Sociedad to progress in the Europa League.
Manchester United beat 10-man Real Sociedad 4-1 on Thursday night to secure a ticket to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after the team’s best performance under Ruben Amorim.
The road to the final, to be hosted in Bilbao, includes a two-legged affair against French side Lyon in the last eight of the Europa League.
United took one step closer to reaching the final last night after going 1-0 down in the opening 10 minutes after Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot.
A quick reaction, inspired by a Bruno Fernandes penalty kick, meant both teams would go in at half-time level at 1-1. That was before the Portugal international completed his second hat-trick for the club in the second half.
Diogo Dalot finished off an assist from Rasmus Hojlund to seal the 4-1 win late on.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim drops Martin Zubimendi transfer hint
After missing the first leg due to illness, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi returned to the line-up, expected to make a big impact.
The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool last summer, but a deal fell through at the last moment.
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Speaking to TNT Sports during a pre-match live broadcast, Amorim was asked about the inclusion of Zubimendi.
The United head coach did not shy away from revealing his admiration for the Spanish midfielder, who has recently been linked to Arsenal, describing Zubimendi as a “top player” capable of changing a team.
Amorim said: “He’s [Zubimendi] a top player that can change a team, especially in that position, he’s one position that can read and block transitions.
“He’s also the first guy in the build-up, I know the player really well, everybody knows he’s a top player that can change the team.”
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes went on to suggest that Amorim may have hinted at a player he wishes to sign in the summer.
“From that interview, the manager quite likes Zubimendi,” Scholes said.
“If we sell three or four players we might be able to buy him but tonight’s a big night.”
Martin Zubimendi stats vs Manchester United
Across his 90-minute display, Zubimendi failed to impress against United, so it wasn’t a positive audition by any means.
Amorim’s comments suggest he is already a big admirer of Zubimendi. He won’t be swayed by one performance when the player was recently ruled out with illness.
Zubimendi managed 0 shots or successful tackles from the middle of the pitch.
Minutes played 90
Total shots 0
Accurate passes 31/38 (82%)
Chances created 1
Touches 55
Blocks 3
Clearances 7
Interceptions 2
Dribbled past 1
Tackles won 0
Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad: Martin Zubimendi stats
With Casemiro heavily linked with an exit in the summer, it remains to be seen if United will look to Zubimendi as an option to improve the squad. His performance on Thursday night won’t do him any favours.