Bruno Fernandes was the star of the show while Dean Henderson and Scott McTominay impressed as Manchester United beat Real Sociedad 4-0 in the Europa League.
Real Sociedad carved out a couple of decent openings early in the game, but it was pretty much Manchester United from that point on. Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford were crucially denied by Alex Remiro, but Bruno Fernandes managed to break the deadlock in the 27th minute.
Just before the hour-mark, Manchester United doubled their advantage with Fernandes again finding the back of the net after being played in by Rashford. The England international then got himself on the scoresheet not long after, applying the finishing touches to a blistering counter-attack.
Daniel James then made it 4-0 for the Red Devils in the 90th time with a neat finish to pretty much kill the tie and all but confirm Manchester United’s progression to the next round of the Europa League even before the second leg is played next week. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the night at the Allianz Stadium.
Dean Henderson: 8/10
Getting the nod ahead of David de Gea, the goalkeeper made an important save in the early exchanges and was a confident figure throughout, dealing with crosses and long balls with comfort. Vocal presence at the back and organised things well. Quick thinking led to the counter for Rashford’s goal in the second half. About time he got an extended run in the lineup.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6,5/10
Booked very early into the game, but managed to keep his discipline while staying rock solid at the back. Even made a few decent ventures forward and got into good positions.
Eric Bailly: 7/10
In the lineup in place of Victor Lindelof, the Ivorian enjoyed a solid outing after a dodgy start to the game which saw Sociedad create a couple of chances. Compliments Harry Maguire well with his pace and was able to make several important clearances over the course of the contest. Question is can he stay fit for the rest of the season.
Eric Bailly’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:
100% aerial duels won
88% pass accuracy
8 clearances
2 tackles won
1 interception
1 assistAnother solid shift. ?? ? #UEL pic.twitter.com/Zbb786eZkd
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2021
Harry Maguire: 7/10
Much like Bailly, recovered strongly after an iffy beginning making a couple of vital interventions on either side of half-time. Looks so much better with the Ivory Coast international next to him.
Alex Telles: 7.5/10
Getting the nod over Luke Shaw, the Brazilian provided a constant outlet down the left flank. Released Fernandes with a brilliant pass leading to a chance for Rashford which he missed. At the same time stayed solid defensively, dealing comfortably with the threat posed by former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj, making three tackles and two interceptions.
Scott McTominay: 7.5/10
Initially a doubt for the game, the Scotsman recovered in time to start against Real Sociedad and enjoyed an impressive outing. Looked great each time he got on the ball and drove forward. Had a shot saved by Remiro although he could have gotten a better connection on his effort. Completed the most number of dribbles (4) on the night before going off.
Scott McTominay completed four take-ons in the first half for Man Utd, as many as all Real Sociedad players combined.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 18, 2021
Fred: 7.5/10
Swept up things nicely in the middle of the park, allowing McTominay and Fernandes to go about their job without worrying about the defensive side of things. Got the assist for Rashford’s goal with a fine pass. Made one interception and completed 92% of his passes on the night.
Daniel James: 6,5/10
A dull first period when he ran around aimlessly and conceded possession in decent positions. Showed improvement after the break though and took his goal well. Still doesn’t feel like the right fit in the side.
Bruno Fernandes: 9/10
Two fine passes to create chances for McTominay and Rashford early in the game showed he was in a destructive mood. Had a header cleared off the line before making the most of a defensive misunderstanding by Sociedad to open the scoring with a well-taken finish. Then made it 2-0 in the second half with another good hit. Has now scored 21 goals this season.
Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:
100% dribble success
81% pass accuracy
3 tackles
3 chances created
3 shots (3 on target)
2 big chances created
2 goalsDazzling display. ? pic.twitter.com/WAAs3Aj9dI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2021
Marcus Rashford: 7.5/10
Guilty of spurning a few chances in the first period but showed good movement and running throughout, which caused Sociedad plenty of problems. The England international was involved in both of Fernandes’ goals before getting his name on the scoresheet. Needs to polish his finishing though, as his misses could have cost United on another day.
Mason Greenwood: 6.5/10
May not have scored or assisted a goal on the night, but deserves great credit for the work he put in off the ball. His movement created spaces for his fellow forwards while he was tracking back relentlessly throughout. A selfless display.
SUBSTITUTES
Nemanja Matic: 6/10
On for McTominay at the hour mark. Made an important clearance and kept things ticking along nicely.
Anthony Martial: 6/10
Replaced Rashford in the 68th minute. Not much to do attacking-wise, but worked hard off the ball.
Juan Mata: N/A
Replaced Fernandes in the 82nd minute. Did little of note.
Amad Diallo: N/A
Amad Diallo completed three take-ons for Man Utd against Real Sociedad, more than any other player in the second half.
He only came on in the 82nd minute. pic.twitter.com/UNfWjnNy6g
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 18, 2021
Made his much-awaited first-team debut replacing Greenwood with less than ten minutes left. Looked sharp, completed all of his three dribble attempts.
