Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United swept Real Sociedad aside in Turin as they established a huge lead on away goals in the Round of 32 first leg. A brilliant attacking display from both teams came at Sociedad’s expense as while they failed to take the few chances they had, United scored. Bruno Fernandes at the double and capped off by emphatic goals from Rashford and James sealed the match. Sociedad could not deal with the United counter and struggled to get their big players into the game. United easily could have had seven or eight with the number of chances they created but deserved the win with their super play on and off the ball.
Arguably the tie is over as United would have to falter substantially at Old Trafford if they were to bow out of the competition. United must carry this momentum in the league as they have only gained six points in the last five matches and drawn the last two. With Newcastle at home next, this would be the perfect time for a surge in form as Chelsea and City are next on the fixture list as well as a mouth watering second leg which the players know could be chances to impress and score.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 8/10
Made some crucial saves and commanded his box so very well. Still think David de Gea starts at the weekend but the competition is heating up!
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8/10
Strong defensively and played well out from the back. Underrated this game as he had a tough challenge with Oyarzabal and Monreal but dealt with it well.
Eric Bailly 8/10
Shaky start but ironed out mistakes for 90% of the match. As we said before the West Brom match, this is United’s best defensive pair for big strikers. Bailly HAS to stay fit.
Harry Maguire 9/10
Brilliant game. One or two early mistakes but again ironed them out with time. Reckon it will be Lindelof in the side on Sunday along with Maguire but Maguire is better suited to a quicker CB. Tuanzebe, Bailly or someone outside of the club.
Alex Telles 7.5/10
Decent defensively and put a decent attacking performance out too. More from a deeper position mind you. Corners were not great.
Fred 9/10
Perfect for counter-attacking football. Sits deep, especially against the likes of David Silva and breaks with pace and energy. Gorgeous ball to Rashford and defended well all night. Top game!
Scott McTominay 8.5/10
Energetic and robust box-to-box performance. Created chances and drove into the box. Hugely influential for the first goal. When he has a license to attack, he does cause problems.
Daniel James 10/10
My man of the match. His inclusion was the biggest giveaway as to how United will play. His work rate, energy and not to mention pace are crucial in counter-attacking football. It’s a real shame it has taken some people so long to see that. What’s more is he is improving his game too. The runs he makes are far more dangerous and crucially, frequent and he is chipping in with goals and assists. He has already matched his tally for last season in goals and has a goal every 98 minutes this season. Was so relieved to see he didn’t leave on loan in the January window because both as an impact sub and a starter in a counter-attacking side, he will be important to this team.
Bruno Fernandes 9.5/10
Another super performance. He did everything right and was robbed of a few assists. Two clinical finishes to kill the game off before dropping deeper and playing longer passes. Will need to continue that good form into the Newcastle game.
Marcus Rashford 8/10
Denied a goal and then wasted a second chance at 0-0. The difference between the two is one was on the half-volley and far more difficult but for the second he just had to pick a corner and it was a goal! He made no mistake the third time and slotted easily past the keeper to really seal the tie off. Good that he was rested. Must start on the left against Newcastle.
Mason Greenwood 7.5/10
I think he is still finding his feet as the number 9 as he seemed more comfortable on either the left or right wing. Decent inter-play and had a couple of near post shots trouble the keeper. What he is doing is influencing the game without getting goals which is a crucial stage in his development and something I don’t doubt will continue.
Substitutes:
Nemanja Matic 8/10
Solid as a rock. Good performance and I can see him doing well against Newcastle if chosen to start.
Anthony Martial 7/10
Some lovely centre-forward play and created chances. Would have loved a goal but think he will start the home match next Thursday.
Amad Diallo 7.5/10
Great cameo as it shows what he’s all about. 100% successful dribbles and direct and exciting play. Could see him start on Thursday but perhaps getting too carried away. I do think he will feature.
Juan Mata 7/10
Nice for him to get some game time after some time off. I think he could still have a part to play this season and has two goals and three assists this season. Would love for him to start on Thursday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 9/10
Excellent tactics and game plan by Ole. Countering this side was the right decision and he used the perfect players to do that. The way he’s rotating also invites competition for places and means players have to take their chances which is improving almost if not all of this squad.
Huge win against a top six side and a statement of intent in the Europa League. He will want to win this trophy as it could galvanise this young team to push to the next level.
