Europa League – Real Sociedad v Manchester United: Fernandes At The Double As United Thrash Sociedad In Turin

The game started at a frantic pace and we could of had two goals in the first 5 minutes. First Adnan Janazauj fired a left foot shot just wide of the post before Marcus Rashford was denied by Remiro in the Sociedad goal. Both teams looked dangerous going forward and you felt a goal was coming sooner rather than later. As we approached the 20 minute mark Rashford was denied again. Remiro got down well to keep out his low strike then Fernandes’s effort was cleared off the line.

The Sociedad front 3 looked lively and had caused United problems every time they went forward. In the opening exchanges both Telles and Wan-Bissaka had to make some crucial blocks. Fernandes who had already been denied once wasn’t going to be denied again. On the 27th minute he raced on to a Rashford pass and took his time before passing the ball in to an empty net. The ball from Rashford was excellent and so was the finish.

Sociedad were pushing hard to get back into the game but Bailly and co were keeping the Spanish side at bay. Henderson had made one save low to his right but other than that he’d not been worked. United deservedly lead at the break and in truth they should of been further in front than they was.

We didn’t have to wait long for a goal in the second half. Just before the hour mark United doubled their lead. A ball that was intended for Daniel James broke to Fernandes and the Portuguese play maker stroked the ball home with a lovely first time finish. 2-0 United and they were in real control now!

United had now got two away goals and all of a sudden the tie seemed to be slipping away from Real Sociedad. The Spanish side were all at sea and eight minutes after going 2-0 down they found themselves behind by 3. Rashford raced on to a wonderful pass from Fred before calmly slotting the ball past Remiro to put United well out of sight.

United had been excellent and they were in so much control it was frightening. Real Sociedad had backed right off and were now just trying to keep the score down. Daniel James added a fourth moments later but it was rightly ruled out for offside.

After much talk about United’s £37 million man, Amad Diallo was finally given his first team debut. The pacey 18 year old replaced Mason Greenwood with seven minutes remaining. United were looking for another goal and in the 90th minute they got it. Eric Bailly’s clearance found Daniel James and the Welshman raced away before putting the ball through the legs of Remiro to make it 4-0!

Bar the first 20 minutes United had dominated the game and Real Sociedad had been blown away. Solskjaer’s side take four away goals into the second leg which will be played next Wednesday at Old Trafford. If United continue in this form they will take some stopping in this years Europa League.