Manchester United sealed their place in the quarter-final of the Europa League with an impressive 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad under Old Trafford lights.
On a day when Ruben Amorim desired a stirring response to a promising performance against Arsenal, his side went behind within 10 minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home from the spot.
Fittingly, following a chequered history of contentious penalty decisions for Txuri-Urdin, Bruno Fernandes converted from 12 yards within six minutes of the restart.
United turned the screw and set about imposing themselves in the tie, enjoying ample spells of possession while looking menacing throughout the final third.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund were once more deployed in attack, and there was evidence of a growing connection with encouraging interplay and several promising opportunities.
However, despite the best efforts of a collective unit, the sides went into the break level after an entertaining opening 45.
United took the lead within minutes of the restart with the third penalty of an extraordinary evening after a prolonged VAR assessment for a foul on the impressive Patrick Dorgu. Bruno casually placed the ball past a helpless Alex Remiro.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors shortly after the hour mark when Jon Aramburu saw red for a professional foul on the onrushing Dorgu.
Astonishingly, Benoit Bastien awarded Amorim’s side a third penalty and fourth of the evening with minutes to play before VAR interjected for the Spanish side.
But United were not to be undone, and Fernandes sealed his hat trick in the 87th minute following a smart breakaway move and pass from Alejandro Garnacho. The Theatre of Dreams embraced its beloved magnifico.
An emphatic Manchester United were in dreamland when Diogo Dalot rounded off a memorable team display with a smashing fourth in injury time.
Hojlund did everything but score on the evening, but his fine work and cut-back from the left supplied a golden opportunity for his Portuguese teammate to hammer home.
The United Faithful rejoiced a 4-1 win on the night and a comprehensive 5-2 victory in the tie, setting up a last-eight encounter with Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Manchester United extend their impressive European record in the North West
Despite well-documented troubles in Manchester, Old Trafford has proven somewhat of a continental fortress, now with a solitary defeat from the previous 29 Europa League outings (Won 22, drawn six).
Having fallen behind in the most frustrating circumstances, Amorim will be delighted with his side’s response and determination to impose themselves on their Spanish visitors.
Although there is more to learn to enhance this intricate Portuguese philosophy, this was an assured Manchester United performance against a notably tricky opponent on a competitive stage.
The attacking trio of Garnacho, Zirkee and Hojlund worked tirelessly, while Fernandes was typically exquisite in his orchestration. I know it’s old news, but I’m still flabbergasted that some chose to signal out the captain for criticism.
Casemiro delivered a performance of old alongside the impressive Dalot and Dorgu, and the back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven were comfortable and largely dependable throughout.
Fittingly, following revelations of a landmark ‘New Trafford’, a partisan crowd of 73,189 was in fine voice as their beloved side sealed a 28th European quarter-final against Les Gones.
Although domestic performances have left many questioning the future of this once-domineering side, Amorim’s men are four games away from a shot in Bilbao.
There is much work to do, and every logical supporter will acknowledge that this group is far from the finished product. But, they will undoubtedly prove a handful for any side in this competition.
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