Manchester United vs Real Sociedad LIVE: Europa League result and reaction after brilliant Bruno Fernandes hits hat-trick
The Europa League is Manchester United’s last chance for silverware this season and only likely route back into the Champions League next year, with the final in May in Bilbao
Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after Bruno Fernandes struck a hat-trick to earn a 4-1 victory on the night.
Ruben Amorim’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening leg in San Sebastian last week and suffered an early setback when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot after Matthijs de Ligt’s clumsy challenge.
But United hit back quickly with a penalty of their own from Fernandes and the Portuguese punished the hosts with another strike from 12 yards following a foul on the lively Patrick Dorgu.
The Spanish outfit’s hopes were then dashed when Dorgu proved too quick and slippery for Venezuela’s Jon Aramburu, who made contact as the Dane was poised to dash through on goal. Fernandes’ ruthless finish after a clinical counter-attack saw the Portuguese register his hat-trick to break La Real’s resistance and Diogo Dalot hit a late fourth to put some gloss on the aggregate scoreline.
And a win was the perfect response for Ruben Amorim after some of his side were labelled “overpaid” and “underperforming” by owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Relive all the action from Manchester United v Real Sociedad below:
GOAL - Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
10min: SOCIEDAD LEAD! Oyarzabal wins the penalty and dispatches it into the bottom right corner, sending Onana sailing the opposite direction.
An early lead for the visitors. United fans and players alike look a little nervous.
There is one positive, though - there is plenty of time to react.
PENALTY - Man Utd 0-0 Real Sociedad (1-1 Agg)
8min: It is a surprisingly long check, but the referee points to the spot!
De LIgt looked to have made a tidy clearance, but upon closer inspection is seen to have cleared out the man before the ball.
A disaster start for Manchester United, unless Onana can redeem them.
Scholes rips into new stadium project: "Pie in the sky"
Paul Scholes is incredibly sceptical of Manchester United’s stadium project.
“It is all a bit pie in the sky,” the Manchester Untied legend told TNT Sports before kickoff after Omar Berrada outlines his plan to finance the club amid a £2bn investment in new facilities.
“Words are cheap,” he added. “I won’t believe it till I see it.”
New stadium "very exciting" for Amorim
Ruben Amorim has spoken out on Manchester United’s plans to build a new stadium.
Early images of the planned £2bn stadium were announced on Tuesday to great acclaim - the stadium’s distinctive silhouette, featuring three massive spires and a grand canopy, will house 100,000 fans.
Speaking before kick-off, Amorim called the stadium “very exciting,” but given his recent struggles, one must wonder whether he will ever coach there.
Man United CEO Omar Berrada adds that United will be financing the stadium, but says they are already preparing for the investment and planning to avoid impacting on-pitch performances.
Karen Carney calls on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to invest in Man Utd Women
“Nobody expects Man Utd to not be focused on the men’s team, but it is disappointing and surprising for a club of such history that has been forward thinking and world-leading not to be investing in one of the fastest growing areas in sport,” Carney tells TNT Sports.
“I thought they wanted to be the best in class, leaders in their field, for me it’s sad and I’m disappointed, I hope it changes.”
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