MAN UTD 4, REAL SOCIEDAD 1
(Man Utd won 5-2 on aggregate)
Bruno Fernandes was again the catalyst as Manchester United claimed a last-eight place in the Europa League with victory against Real Sociedad.
The midfielder was the Reds’ Captain Fantastic as his hat-trick proved decisive as they overcame an early setback of falling behind to record an emphatic victory.
Fernandes took his season’s total to 15 goals – all scored since the sacking of Erik ten Hag – and it again showed the Reds’ reliance on Fernandes.
There was also a fourth goal in stoppage time from Diogo Dalot to put the seal on a night when the feel-good factor returned to Old Trafford where they have lost nine times season.
While Fernandes was again rightly lauded, it was a much-improved team performance with other fine individual displays.
Joshua Zirkzee, who has had a challenging campaign, was outstanding as he led the Sociedad defence a merry dance.
Casemiro, one of the players criticised by part owner Sir Jim Radcliffe, showed his class while Patrick Dorgu and the much-maligned Rasmus Hojlund also stood out.
Ayden Heaven, who made his first start for the club in one of three changes to the side which drew against Arsenal on Sunday, also looked composed on the European stage.
It was a massive show of faith in the 18-year-old who only joined the club on February 1 from Arsenal.
The decision also underlined Victor Lindelof has no future at Old Trafford once his contract expires in the summer.
The Sweden captain joined United for £31m in 2015, when Jose Mourinho was the manager.
Remarkably, Amorim is his fifth boss, if you include Ralf Rangnick, but exclude caretakers Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Head coach Amorim was upbeat declaring: “It was a very complete exhibition.
“I felt during the week we showed we are ready for this kind of game.
“Against Arsenal it was not beautiful, but the second half helped us to believe.”
Amorim praised hat-trick Fernandes and his immense contribution to the team.
He said: “Sometimes Bruno gets frustrated but that is because he wants to win so bad. Sometimes he needs to show more trust in his team-mates.
“When we need him, he is always there – at set pieces, the way he moves the ball forward and in transitions and the way he defends.
“He is the perfect captain, and we need to win titles because he deserves them.”
Amorim also saluted Dorgu for his sportsmanship after the wing back told referee Brnoit Bastien it was not a spot kick – United’s third of the night – after he was fouled.
“It was the right thing to do – I am quite proud of him,” he said.
“If it had been 0-0 or we were losing, I might not have had the same response.”
Dorgu and Hojlund were also recalled.
Sociedad were boosted by the return of Martin Zubimendi who missed the first leg through illness.
There was a nightmare start for United as Sociedad took the lead through a 10th minute Mikel Oyarzabal penalty.
It was for a challenge by Mathijs De Ligt on Oyarzabal with replays showing the defender caught the opponent’s ankle.
There was a VAR check before the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to view the footage before making the final ruling.
United levelled six minute later, also from the spot after Hojlund was fouled from behind as he raced onto Fernandes’ low cross from the right.
Fernandes stepped up to send keeper Alex Remiro the wrong way from the spot..
United were inches from taking the lead when Hojlund fired agonisingly wide from Zirkzee’s low cross.
There was further penalty drama when United were awarded a second spot kick soon after the restart.
It looked a soft one with Dorgu looking to run into Aritz Elustondo who appeared to be standing his ground, but a VAR check confirmed the referee’s decision.
Fernandes stepped up and again sent keeper Ramiro the wrong way from 12 yards for his 13th goal of the season.
Sociedad’s night went from bad to worse when they were reduced to 10 men in the 63rd minute.
A great diagonal pass from Zirkzee released Dorgu who burst clear from just inside the Spanish side’s half only for substitute Jon Aramburu, who had only been on the field for eight minutes, brought him down as he was the last man.
Amorim made his first change with 12 minutes left as the tiring Casemiro was replaced by youngster Toby Collyer.
Zirkzee had two chances in quick succession to seal victory as a shot was well saved by Ramiro and the second a header which drifted wide.
United were awarded a third penalty in the 84th minute which was overturned by VAR and after Dorgu’s intervention as he told the match officials he had not been fouled by substitute Hamari Traore.
But three minutes later, Unites sealed victory as Fernandes completed his hat trick.
Sociedad were caught on the break as Alejandro Garnacho released Fernandes who slotted home a low shot, his 15th goal of the season and sixth in the last six games.
Amorim made a second change as Zirkzee was replaced by Christian Eriksen.
There was time for a fourth goal in the first of four added minutes as Hojlund cut the Ball b ack for Dalot to fire high into the roof of the net.