Europa League progress secured as Man United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 | OneFootball

Man United 4-1 Real Sociedad (5-2 agg): Fernandes Hat-Trick Seals Europa League Progression

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, completing a commanding 5-2 aggregate triumph.

Mikel Oyarzabal, as he did in the first leg, gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot, briefly threatening to turn the tie on its head. However, Bruno Fernandes, the architect of United’s dominance, responded in kind with a penalty of his own before scoring twice more to complete a hat-trick. Jon Aramburu’s second-half dismissal only made matters worse for La Real, and Diogo Dalot’s late strike piled on the misery.

Fernandes at the Heart of United’s Commanding Display

United’s progression never looked in doubt despite Oyarzabal’s opener. The Spaniard’s confident spot-kick put Sociedad ahead on the night, but Erik ten Hag’s side responded with authority.

Rasmus Hojlund, much improved in recent weeks, won a penalty after being hauled down in the box, allowing Fernandes to level things up. The Portuguese playmaker repeated the trick early in the second half when Sociedad’s defensive discipline wavered. Aramburu’s red card for a reckless challenge left the visitors stretched, and United capitalised.

Fernandes completed his hat-trick with a well-taken finish from open play, a just reward for a dominant display. Sociedad, by this point, had lost their shape and focus, and Dalot took advantage, rounding off the scoring late on as the Spanish side capitulated.

Real Sociedad Unable to Match United’s Ruthlessness

Imanol Alguacil’s team showed glimpses of quality but ultimately lacked the conviction needed to threaten a second-leg comeback. Sociedad started brightly, pressing with intent and capitalising on their one clear opportunity to take the lead.

Yet United, with superior individual quality and game management, took control. The visitors’ midfield struggled to contain Fernandes, while their defence buckled under the weight of United’s attacking threat.

Aramburu’s sending-off effectively ended any lingering hope for Sociedad, and their performance unravelled from there. It was a brutal reminder of the step up in class when facing a Premier League heavyweight away from home.

Player Ratings

Man United

GK: Andre Onana – 6CB: Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5CB: Matthijs de Ligt – 7CB: Ayden Heaven – 7RM: Diogo Dalot – 8CM: Casemiro – 7CM: Bruno Fernandes (c) – 10LM: Patrick Dorgu – 8AM: Alejandro Garnacho – 8AM: Joshua Zirkzee – 8ST: Rasmus Hojlund – 7.5

SUB: Toby Collyer (78′ for Casemiro) – 6

Subs not used: Dermot Mee (GK), Elyh Harrison (GK), Harry Amass, Tyler Fredericson, Victor Lindelof, Jack Fletcher, James Scanlon, Manuel Ugarte.

Real Sociedad

GK: Alex Remiro – 6RB: Aritz Elustondo – 6CB: Igor Zubeldia – 5CB: Nayef Aguerd – 6LB: Aihen Munoz – 6CM: Brais Mendez – 7CM: Martin Zubimendi – 6.5CM: Pablo Marin – 6RW: Takefusa Kubo – 6ST: Mikel Oyarzabal (c) – 7.5LW: Sheraldo Becker – 6

SUB: Ander Barrenetxea (56′ for Becker) – 6SUB: Benat Turrientes (56′ for Marin) – 6SUB: Orri Oskarsson (75′ for Kubo) – 6SUB: Hamani Traore (80′ for Elustondo) – 6

Subs not used: Unai Marrero (GK), Arkaitz Mariezkurrena, Javi Lopez, Jon Martin, Luken Beitia, Jon Olasagasti, Sergio Gomez.