With mid-table seemingly inevitable for Manchester United in the league, and exits from both domestic cups which had brought success in recent years, the Europa League remains the big hope for fans of the once-great club. After taking a draw away from Sociedad last week, they played host for the second leg clash with Real Sociedad with both teams capable of causing issues, but ultimately having disappointing campaigns by their own standards.

The result gives United a huge moral boost as the win not only puts them into the last-8 of the Europa League with a clash against Lyon awaiting, but the manner of the victory was one of the more dominant displays seen from Amorim’s Manchester United in his short tenure.

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Teams

United went with their full attacking options from the start, with all 4 of Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee and Hojlund being given the nod from the first minute. Knowing they needed to score, they had to go all-out with their selection, and that is exactly what Amorim opted for. Youngster Heaven was given a start in which he impressed, while the return of Ugarte to the bench and Dorgu to the squad offered a bolstered feeling among the young options on the bench.

For Real Sociedad, they had much more available to them in terms of experience, and they could use their bench as the game turned away from them. With the likes of Kubo, Oyarzabal and Zubimendi starting, they had attacking and strong options, but couldn’t get through against the determined United.

Manchester United: Onana, Heaven, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Dorgu, Fernandes, Casemiro (Collyer 78′), Dalot, Zirkzee (Eriksen 88′), Garnacho, Hojlund

Subs: Mee, Harrison, Amass, Fredricson, Lindelof, Fletcher, Ugarte, Scanlon

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Munoz, Aguerd, Zubeldia (Aramburu 56′), Elunstondo (Traore 80′), Marin (Turrientes 56′), Zubimendi, Mendez, Becker (Barrenetxea 56′), Oyarzabal, Kubo (Oskarsson 76′)

Subs: Marrero, Mariezkurrena, Lopez, Martin, Beitia, Olasagasti, Gomez

Manchester United (5)4-1(2) Real Sociedad

​Manchester United delivered a commanding performance at Old Trafford, overturning an early deficit to defeat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the Europa League round of 16 second leg on Thursday. This result secured a 5-2 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals against Olympique Lyonnais . Bruno Fernandes was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick, including two penalties, while Diogo Dalot added a late goal to seal the win.​

The match began with Real Sociedad taking an early lead through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty in the 10th minute, awarded after a VAR review for a foul by Matthijs de Ligt . United responded swiftly just six minutes later, Fernandes converted a penalty of his own after Rasmus Højlund was fouled in the box. The momentum shifted in United’s favour, with Fernandes adding a second penalty early in the second half following a foul on Patrick Dorgu.​

Real Sociedad’s hopes diminished further when substitute Aramburu received a red card for a foul on Joshua Zirkzee in the 63rd minute . United capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Fernandes completing his hat-trick in the 87th minute after a pass from Alejandro Garnacho. Diogo Dalot capped the scoring in stoppage time, converting a pass from Højlund to make it 4-1 on the night.​

This emphatic victory highlighted United’s attacking prowess and resilience, with Fernandes’ leadership and clinical finishing at the forefront. The win sets up a quarter-final clash with Lyon, as United continue their pursuit of European silverware under manager Ruben Amorim. The performance also showcased the depth of the squad, with notable contributions from the newer additions to the squad like Dorgu and Zirkzee.​

Talking Points

On a night when Manchester United needed their captain to lead by example, Bruno Fernandes delivered in spectacular fashion. The Portuguese midfielder orchestrated the game with authority and composure, netting a sublime hat-trick to dismantle Real Sociedad’s European hopes. His first two goals came from the penalty spot, both dispatched with his trademark coolness, but it was his third, a clever finish after linking with Alejandro Garnacho, that encapsulated Fernandes’ influence on the evening. Beyond the goals, his vision, movement, and relentless energy underpinned United’s dominance, offering a timely reminder of his enduring quality on the big stage.

United’s 5-2 aggregate triumph has earned them a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against French side Olympique Lyonnais. While the convincing manner of the win over Sociedad will breed confidence, Lyon represent a significant step up in quality and threat. Ruben Amorim’s side will know they must find the right balance between their resurgent attacking verve and defensive discipline if they are to advance further. Lyon’s pace and technical prowess could test United’s backline in ways Sociedad could not, meaning focus and tactical nous will be vital if Old Trafford is to witness another memorable European night.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the evening was the freedom and fluency with which United attacked. Often criticised this season for cautious build-up play and a lack of creativity in the final third, Amorim’s side unleashed a wave of forward momentum that overwhelmed their Spanish opponents. Garnacho was electric down the flank, Joshua Zirkzee added guile and presence after coming on, and Rasmus Højlund’s movement created endless problems for Sociedad’s back line. With four goals scored and countless chances fashioned, United’s attackers played with a vibrancy that hinted at a team finally clicking into gear at the right time of the season, a tantalising prospect for supporters dreaming of European glory.