United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United’s progression in the Europa League is critical to the club’s finances and season, and the team played like it against Real Sociedad. Led by Bruno Fernandes, the Reds won 4-1 on the day, 5-2 on aggregate, to progress to the Europa League Quarterfinals.

Match Flow

Real Sociedad were given their second penalty of the tie in the 8th minute after a lengthy VAR review in which the referee determined that Matthijs De Ligt fouled Mikel Oyarzabal. The Sociedad captain stepped up and again found the net from the spot, sending Andre Onana the wrong way and giving the visitors the advantage.

Five minutes later, Manchester United won a penalty as Rasmus Hojlund was bundled over from behind while attempting to get onto a pass from Bruno Fernandes. Like his counterpart, the United captain sent the goalkeeper the wrong way in the 16th minute, leveling the match at one.

Hojlund should have put the Reds ahead in the 30th minute. Great dribbling work from Joshua Zirkzee led to a cross, but the Dane failed to hit the target as the ball rolled just outside the far post.

Manchester United had a solid half, dominating possession with 60% and outshooting the visitors 11-6. Despite the Reds’ positive play and opportunities, the sides remained inseparable with 45 minutes remaining.

Just two minutes into the second half, Patrick Dorgu earned a penalty for the home team with a clever touch in the box after Joshua Zirkzee’s shot was saved. For the second time on the day, Bruno Fernandes sent Alex Remiro the wrong way from the penalty spot, giving Manchester United a lead in both the match and the overall tie.

A pivotal moment in the competition came in the 62nd minute. A fantastic through ball from Joshua Zirkzee found Dorgu in space in the Real Sociedad half of the field, creating a decision for the defender trailing the Dane. Just minutes after coming on, Jon Aramburu clipped Dorgu as he tore ahead, prompting the referee to reach for his front pocket and send the 22-year-old off.

Bruno Fernandes capped off his hat-trick and sealed Manchester United’s spot in the Quarterfinals with a perfectly placed finish in the 87th minute. Alejandro Garnacho attacked the space left by Real Sociedad as they pushed for a leveler and neatly found an overlapping run by Fernandes, who made no mistake inside the box.

Diogo Dalot added a fourth in stoppage time with a first-time finish created by Rasmus Hojlund.

Talking Points

Manchester United were free-flowing in attack, creating opportunities and, more importantly, getting everyone involved. Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho all played well, and Hojlund earned a late assist with a smart pullback to Diogo Dalot. Manchester United’s options going forward are extremely limited for the rest of the season, but if today’s front three find form, United will be dangerous.

Bruno Fernandes scored his first hat trick since the 2021-2022 season against Leeds. While two of the goals did come from the penalty spot, the captain deserved a few extra opportunities after passionately leading his team over the past several months. The three goals took Fernandes to 28 goal involvements this season, far above any of his teammates.

Next Match

Manchester United travel to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City on Sunday with an opportunity to continue their recent improved form.