Manchester United – Real Sociedad: Fernandes Fires United Through (4-1)

A hattrick from Bruno Fernandes takes the headlines, but United’s overall performance was also impressive here. Energetic pressing helped Amorim’s side gain the initiative. In possession United’s off-the-ball movement exploited width and depth to stretch the Sociedad defense and ultimately secure the victory they desperately needed.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Last week’s 1-1 draw between these two sides set up a finely poised second leg in which Manchester United could hardly afford to lose. Elimination from the Europa League would effectively render the season over in terms of competing for any significant aims and put the club in further financial trouble with no prospect of European football next season. The stakes were high for Ruben Amorim’s team in this game.

United started in Amorim’s usual 3-4-3 system, with a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu were the wing-backs, while Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes partnered in midfield. Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee then supported Rasmus Højlund up front.

Real Sociedad started in a 4-3-3 formation, with Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, Nayef Aguerd, and Aihen Muñoz in the back four. Martín Zubimendi was at the base of midfield, with Brais Méndez and Pablo Marín ahead of him. Takefusa Kubo and Sheraldo Becker then flanked Mikel Oyarzabal in the front three.

United respond to early blow

The game started in the worst way possible for United, as they found . . .