Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after Bruno Fernandes struck a hat-trick to earn a 4-1 victory on the night.
Ruben Amorim’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening leg in San Sebastian last week and suffered an early setback when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot after Matthijs de Ligt’s clumsy challenge.
But United hit back quickly with a penalty of their own from Fernandes and the Portuguese punished the hosts with another strike from 12 yards following a foul on the lively Patrick Dorgu.
The Spanish outfit’s hopes were then dashed when Dorgu proved too quick and slippery for Venezuela’s Jon Aramburu, who made contact as the Dane was poised to dash through on goal. Fernandes’ ruthless finish after a clinical counter-attack saw the Portuguese register his hat-trick to break La Real’s resistance and Diogo Dalot hit a late fourth to put some gloss on the aggregate scoreline.
And a win was the perfect response for Ruben Amorim after some of his side were labelled “overpaid” and “underperforming” by owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Relive all the action from Manchester United v Real Sociedad below:
Man Utd vs Real Sociedad - Europa League
- 10' GOAL! Oyarzabal calmly converts penalty after clumsy De Ligt challenge [MUN 0-1 RSO]
- 16' GOAL! Bruno Fernandes penalty brings hosts level [MUN 1-1 RSO]
- 50' GOAL! Bruno Fernandes slots home from the spot to put United ahead [MUN 2-1 RSO]
- 63' RED! Dorgu nips in front of Aramburu and the contact halts the Dane before he can sprint towards goal [MUN 2-1 RSO]
- 87' GOAL! Fernandes lashes home hat-trick with lethal counter-attack [MUN 3-1 RSO]
- 90+1' GOAL! Dalot's crisp effort brings up a fourth on the night for the Red Devils after fine Hojlund skill [MUN 4-1 RSO]
Manchester United FC 4 - 1 Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Manchester United display a new quality to bolster Europa League hopes at special Old Trafford
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:42 , Arthur FerridgeEven in the week the death warrant for Old Trafford was signed, Manchester United showed there is still life in their season. When they trailed to Real Sociedad, it seemed as though it may be over in March, Old Trafford condemned to a year without European football, perhaps even having staged its last continental game. A comeback later, a Basque club were beaten and United’s hopes of returning to the Champions League via the Basque country were enhanced.
It was a cracking night, for the creaking old ground, the young coach and the captain alike. There are times when it has seemed that Bruno Fernandes is on a one-man crusade to salvage something from United’s season.
Read Richard Jolly’s full report HERE.
Bruno Fernandes hits a new record for United
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:32It is just a habit for him at this point, really. Today’s record broken, though, goes beyond United.
According to Opta, his three goals today see Fernandes become the player with the most goal involvements in Europa League history with 41 (24G, 17A).
Not bad, that.
41 - Bruno Fernandes has the most goals and assists combined (24 goals, 17 assists) of any player in UEFA Europa League history. Superstar. pic.twitter.com/iYeJ00QZVR
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 13, 2025
Amorim: Rasmus is so anxious, he will score soon
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:24 , Arthur FerridgeRuben Amorim is noticeably lighter on his feet as he trots out to give his post-match interview after a much needed win. Here’s his take:
On a hectic week: “It was a complete week. We show a little bit the future, we deal with problems in the present, and today a good performance. The physicality was there and in this competition, we can be the dominant team in physicality. we are learning about us, about different competitions, how to win games, how to draw games. It was a tough week but a good week.”
On developing the squad: “I think I am also learning how to use players like Casemiro and without a lot of options we are looking to put our players in the right positions. You can feel that they have more freedom. One game in Spain we tried to use the pace of Garnacho on the right and he showed me so many things, so I am trying to find the right solutions for the team.”
On Hojlund: “Because we play with two 10s we need one player to push the team to make the runs and he is doing that. He is helping a lot. He was better in connection today. He got the assist for one goal, he just needs to score a goal. He is so anxious. He will score one.”
Manchester United's route to the final
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:17 , Arthur FerridgeA crucial win in the last 16 means United can start to dream of an appearance in the final.
But wait, how can they get there? A trip to Lyon awaits in the next round, but where would they progress to after that?
We have the quarter-final draw in full, including United’s full route to the final in Bilbao.
What does the next round hold for United?
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:15 , Arthur FerridgeAfter beating Real Sociedad, United will move on to face Lyon in the quarter finals.
Lyon beat FCSB 7-1 over the two legs, winning 4-0 tonight at home to confirm their progression.
Around the grounds
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:10 , Arthur FerridgeElsewhere in the Europa League, Tottenham come back to beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. They will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the next round.
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe have taken Rangers to extra time after winning 0-2 in regular time at Ibrox.
Chelsea defeat Copenhagen 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to struggle into the next round of the Conference League.
Fernandes: United are getting more confident
Thursday 13 March 2025 22:04 , Arthur FerridgeThe hat-trick hero Fernandes has had his say on the night’s performance, saying United are getting more confident by the day. Here’s his take:
On recent results: “I think with the results, the performance, when you start getting more confident, it is a big thing in football and at this club. You know how much you are on the eyes of everyone so you need to perform at the highest level. We need to back ourselves on the training ground and be here for each other.”
On Amorim: “I think you can see it at times. The way the manager wants us to be, we are making good progress. It will be seen if we get results. We want to get better and we need to play better.”
On Hojlund: “He is a striker. Strikers are all about goals. For us in the dressing room we want Rasmus to score as many as he can. In my last goal, he attracts the defender with him to give me the space. There is a lot that he does that from outside you cannot see but we see it. The goals will come. As soon as the first one comes he is going to score more and more.”
Man Utd trio shine to lead emphatic Europa League win
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:57 , Jack RathbornRelief for Man Utd, through to the last eight, here’s Richard Jolly on an entertaining night at Old Trafford:
“Emphatic in the end, one of the best Old Trafford nights of the season. A hat-trick for Bruno Fernandes was a reward for his terrific performance and outstanding form of late. Dorgu, Hojlund and Zirkzee all impressed, too.”
FULL TIME: Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (5-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:57 , Arthur FerridgeTonight was make or break for United, and they did all that was required of them.
A Bruno Fernandes hat-trick did the bulk of the work for the hosts before Dalot added a fourth in injury time as the Red Devils move on to the Europa League quarter-finals.
In the quest for Champions League qualification which will have to come from winning this tournament, United have taken a crucial step.
The red card was the difference maker for Sociedad, who were barely hanging on before Aramburu was dismissed. They were well beaten after he went for his early shower.
GOAL! Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (5-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:53 , Arthur Ferridge91min: Its one last nail in the coffin for Sociedad.
The visitors’ heads have gone down in a major way. Rasmus Hojlund picks up the ball on the left flank and drives to the byline before cutting the ball back to Diogo Dalot, who finishes emphatically into the roof of the net.
An assist for Hojlund is not quite what he would have wanted to take away from tonight, but he won’t mind - that’ll be huge for his confidence.
Man Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (4-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:51 , Arthur Ferridge90min: What a moment that would have been! Fernandes whips a cross into the box and Ayden Heaven is under it - he attempts an audacious bicycle kick but does not meet the ball.
GOAL! Man Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (4-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:48 , Arthur Ferridge87min: And that will be that. Fernandes completes his hat-trick.
Sociedad make a rare foray forward but Oskarsson loses the ball on the edge of the box and he is punished for it.
Garnacho receives the ball on the half turn and drives towards the center of the pitch as Fernandes takes the space. Garnacho finds him and the captain finishes his hat-trick in the bottom left corner.
He had Hojlund available across the box, but he goes it alone. Fernandes rescues United again.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:46 , Arthur Ferridge84min: United look to have their third penalty of the night as Dorgu goes down in the box under influence from Traore, but the referee changes his mind after initially pointing to the spot.
Upon further inspection, it looks to be a perfect tackle from Traore.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:42 , Arthur Ferridge81mins: United have been far from clinical tonight.
Bruno plays a sweet through ball into Zirkzee - his shot is well saved. Mazroui collects the rebound and finds Zirkzee again, but he heads wide across goal.
The hosts quite easily could have scored four tonight, but Bruno’s pair of penalties remain the difference.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:39 , Jack Rathborn
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:35 , Arthur Ferridge74min: Sociedad just look to be out of ideas. A goal behind and a man down - what’s to do?
The referee issues a sixth yellow card to the visitors, for further insult to the already painful injury.
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad: Dorgu causes havoc
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:33 , Jack RathbornMan United are in the box seat now, here’s Richard Jolly with the latest insight from Old Trafford:
“Sociedad are finding it increasingly hard to contain Dorgu with first Aramburu sent off for fouling him and then Elustondo booked. Dorgu's last game at Old Trafford brought a red card for him. He can enjoy the role reversal.”
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:2868min: The challenge for United now is to see this game out in a professional manner - all they have to do is get it over the line.
With the aggregate margin still standing at just one goal, another penalty for Fernandes certainly would not go amiss.
Notwithstanding that, a one-goal advantage, a one-man advantage, and 20 minutes on the clock should all combine to make this a routine finish for the hosts.
RED CARD! Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:24 , Arthur Ferridge63mins: Did someone say Sociedad look shaky at the back?
Disaster for the substitute Aramburu, who clumsily takes down Dorgu, who is on the break. Its a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity and Sociedad are down to 10.
For salt in the wounds, Oyarzabal is booked for dissent as he pleads Aramburu’s case as the night goes from bad to worse for the Spaniards.
Surely United can’t let this one slip now?
Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:22 , Arthur Ferridge61min: Sociedad look to have shifted to a more attacking formation, moving from a 4-3-3 what could be a 3-4-3.
The rotation does not seem to have had a huge effect as yet, but they do look slightly more potent in attack if more panicked in defence.
Patrick Dorgu praised for impact against Real Sociedad
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:14 , Jack RathbornA gripping tie and United have started fast this half, here’s Richard Jolly with the latest insight from Old Trafford:
“Dorgu won United's second penalty and he has been positive throughout, whether running forward or attempting a series of long-range shots. He isn't yet the most polished of players but this has been an encouraging night for the January signing.”
GOAL! Man Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (3-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:11 , Arthur Ferridge50min: Fernandes does what he does best and tucks the penalty away tidily.
A typically patient run-up followed by a hop, skip, jump, and he rolls it away from the keeper.
United lead on the night and in the tie - its the perfect time to score so soon after half time, and you cannot see United slipping up now.
PENALTY! Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 21:08 , Arthur Ferridge48min: Another penalty for United! Zirkzee sees his shot saved and Dorgu follows up on the rebound but he is tripped up by Elustondo!
The referee waits on it, has a think, and points to the spot.
Karen Carney calls on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to invest in Man Utd Women
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:59 , Arthur FerridgeSpeaking before the match, England legend Karen Carney again called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to up his investment in Man United’s women’s side.
“Nobody expects Man Utd to not be focused on the men’s team, but it is disappointing and surprising for a club of such history that has been forward thinking and world-leading not to be investing in one of the fastest growing areas in sport,” Carney tells TNT Sports.
“I thought they wanted to be the best in class, leaders in their field, for me it’s sad and I’m disappointed, I hope it changes.”
The stats do not read kindly for either side
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:57 , Arthur FerridgeLooking at the halftime numbers, it is rather surprising that we have only seen penalty goals.
United and Sociedad have had 17 shots between them, six of which have been on target, generating a total of 1.08 non-penalty xG.
It is the hosts who have had more of the joy, though - Hojlund’s miss alone constitutes 0.52xG.
HALFTIME: Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:51 , Arthur FerridgeDe Ligt launches a cross-field ball to Zirkzee but overhits it, and it dribbles out of play to close the half.
We started with a flurry of action as two penalties went either way in the opening quarter of an hour, but neither side has been able to find the back of the net from open play as yet.
United have had the better of the opportunities, though, enjoying the better of the play after neutralizing Sociedad’s fast start.
Ultimately, we will head into the second half on the same standing as we did the first: all square.
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:48 , Arthur Ferridge42min: United are closing the half with a flurry of chances, many of which are stemming from Casemiro’s distribution.
He finds Fernandes in the box with a well-placed ball over the top but the captain can’t quite find Hojlund with his pass.
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:40 , Arthur Ferridge40min: Its end-to-end stuff at Old Trafford - we are in for an all-action end to the first half.
Former West Ham man Nayef Aguerd puts down the latest United push with a well-timed block, granting the hosts a corner.
Fernandes finds Dorgu at the edge of the box and he takes his shot on the volley but fires just over.
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:3836min: Garnacho gets the crowd on their feet as he forces Sociedad into an error with a high press.
The twelfth man are making themselves heard tonight, drowning out the away contingent.
Rasmus Hojlund praised for early impact against Real Sociedad
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:33 , Jack RathbornOur senior football correspondent Richard Jolly has the latest from Old Trafford:
“A frantic start here and a hugely entertaining one, too. Rasmus Hojlund has been influential and not merely by winning the penalty. The Dane is running behind the Sociedad defence with some purpose. He is also getting more service than usual and showing that, when he does, he can be a threat.”
Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:32 , Arthur Ferridge30min: The man might well be cursed.
Zirkzee does incredibly well to break into the box before squaring a perfect ball to Rasmus Hojlund, who fires goalward, his shot rolling wide of the far post.
He screams with guttural frustration. As the cliche goes, he couldn’t buy a goal at the minute.
He’s getting in the right positions so far today, though. A goal cannot be far away.
GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:16 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: Fernandes tucks the penalty away after a very deliberate runup and caps the perfect response for United!
Exactly what the doctor ordered. We are honours even at Old Trafford, and the momentum is quite clearly behind the hosts now.
PENALTY! Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:15 , Arthur Ferridge13min: Who could have seen that coming - Rasmus Hojlund wins a penalty!
He pelts into the box to meet Fernandes’ cross and is taken out by Zubeldia - the pen is clear as day.
Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:13 , Jack RathbornOur senior football correspondent Richard Jolly has the latest from Old Trafford:
“Mikel Oyarzabal has a history of scoring against English opposition. After his late winner in the Euro 2024 final, an early penalty here. Judging from the noise the Sociedad fans are making, they are dreaming of a final in Bilbao, perhaps against Athletic Bilbao.”
GOAL - Man Utd 0-1 Real Sociedad (1-2 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:11 , Arthur Ferridge10min: SOCIEDAD LEAD! Oyarzabal wins the penalty and dispatches it into the bottom right corner, sending Onana sailing the opposite direction.
An early lead for the visitors. United fans and players alike look a little nervous.
There is one positive, though - there is plenty of time to react.
PENALTY - Man Utd 0-0 Real Sociedad (1-1 Agg)
Thursday 13 March 2025 20:09 , Arthur Ferridge8min: It is a surprisingly long check, but the referee points to the spot!
De LIgt looked to have made a tidy clearance, but upon closer inspection is seen to have cleared out the man before the ball.
A disaster start for Manchester United, unless Onana can redeem them.
Scholes rips into new stadium project: "Pie in the sky"
Thursday 13 March 2025 19:29 , Arthur FerridgePaul Scholes is incredibly sceptical of Manchester United’s stadium project.
“It is all a bit pie in the sky,” the Manchester Untied legend told TNT Sports before kickoff after Omar Berrada outlines his plan to finance the club amid a £2bn investment in new facilities.
“Words are cheap,” he added. “I won’t believe it till I see it.”
New stadium "very exciting" for Amorim
Thursday 13 March 2025 19:26 , Arthur FerridgeRuben Amorim has spoken out on Manchester United’s plans to build a new stadium.
Early images of the planned £2bn stadium were announced on Tuesday to great acclaim - the stadium’s distinctive silhouette, featuring three massive spires and a grand canopy, will house 100,000 fans.
Speaking before kick-off, Amorim called the stadium “very exciting,” but given his recent struggles, one must wonder whether he will ever coach there.
Man United CEO Omar Berrada adds that United will be financing the stadium, but says they are already preparing for the investment and planning to avoid impacting on-pitch performances.
Karen Carney calls on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to invest in Man Utd Women
Thursday 13 March 2025 19:16 , Jack Rathborn“Nobody expects Man Utd to not be focused on the men’s team, but it is disappointing and surprising for a club of such history that has been forward thinking and world-leading not to be investing in one of the fastest growing areas in sport,” Carney tells TNT Sports.
“I thought they wanted to be the best in class, leaders in their field, for me it’s sad and I’m disappointed, I hope it changes.”
