“Although I scored the most beautiful hat-trick in football history but that guy made it easier for me and he deserved all the praise and not me”: Man United’s hat-trick hero Bruno Fernandes names ONE United’s teammates who really deserved all the praise against Real Sociedad
Manchester United took on Real Sociedad on Thursday night in the Europa League, winning 4-1 in a crucial result.
The game had a nightmarish start for Ruben Amorim, as the visitors took a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot after just 10 minutes.
Just six minutes after Real Sociedad took the lead, Manchester United were back on level terms with Bruno Fernandes converting from the penalty spot.
Fernandes put United 2-1 up – 3-2 on aggregate – in the second half, also from a penalty. In the 63rd minute, Sociedad sealed their own fate as Patrick Dorgu was brought down by the last man which resulted in an instant red card.
United then went on to score a third through Fernandes, grabbing a hat-trick in the process. While the game was rounded out by Diogo Dalot who finished off Rasmus Hojlund’s assist.
United progressed to a quarter-final clash with Lyon with the win.
Here are the things learned from the game
Despite the criticism he gets, there is no denying that Fernandes is United’s main man and he has been proving it recently.
After a starring role against Arsenal, Fernandes stepped up and led his United side through example against Sociedad with his two penalties and also scoring his third from open play.
Fernandes grabbed a hat-trick in the game which was enough to see United progress rather comfortably in the end. Captain fantastic deserves his flowers.
Patrick Dorgu looks the part for Manchester United
One of the biggest standouts in the game for United was Patrick Dorgu as he continued to look like an instant success in Amorim’s system.
Having only joined in the winter, Dorgu’s impact on the left has been instant and against Sociedad he had his best performance yet.
Dorgu was a machine for United both in defence and attack as he got to every corner of the pitch throughout the 90 minutes, even winning the second United penalty.
Ayden Heaven deal is a certified bargain
After a very impressive half against Arsenal, Ayden Heaven was handed his full debut against Sociedad and he made the most of his opportunity.
Despite falling victim early to a Takefusa Kubo nutmeg, Heaven had a very strong game with and without the ball as he looked dominant in duels.
To perform like this on his first start, aged 18 and having only cost £1.5m, Heaven already looks like an absolute bargain.
Ruben Amorim’s system is now beginning to click
After months of struggle, Amorim will surely look at the performance against Sociedad as the best his side have managed.
United were dominant and deserved to have put the game to bed long before it was eventually.
The forwards were combining well, creating chances and stretching the Sociedad defence, while playing in a manner which was recognisable to anyone who watched bits of Sporting under Amorim.
United are getting there under the head coach, which is sure to be a huge relief for Amorim.
Rasmus Hojlund shows signs of life
Hojlund’s goalless streak has been extended to 21 after the win over Sociedad but on this occasion, his all-around performance means he gets much-deserved plaudits.
Hojlund was a thorn in the side of Sociedad defenders all game as he won duels and made good runs only to be very unlucky in front of goal.
Additionally, Hojlund managed to grab an assist for Dalot’s goal which will be massive for his confidence.
