Real Sociedad 0-4 Manchester United highlights and reaction after Fernandes, Rashford and James goals

Manchester United have one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League after beating Real Sociedad in Turin.

United went into the game on the back of another disappointing result in the Premier League, away to West Brom on Sunday, but despite going close to conceding twice in the opening few minutes of the match, they ran out comfortable winners against Sociedad.

Bruno Fernandes’ form, like United’s, has dipped in recent weeks but he was back to his best here, scoring twice to put the Reds two goals to the good. Marcus Rashford was profligate in the first half but scored coolly to make it 3-0 after 65 minutes.

United’s three-goal cushion meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt confident enough to give new signing Amad his first-team debut, as the Ivorian replaced Mason Greenwood in the closing stages.

Daniel James scored a fourth late on and Shola Shoretire was an unused substitute.

Follow our blog below for reaction to United’s win.

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United player ratings

Dean Henderson

Made an important save during the frenzied start and was dependable in dealing with crosses. Another clean sheet. 7

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Booked early on and made some risky challenges but defended solidly and stayed on for the full duration. 7

You can read them all here.

Fernandes celebrates the opener

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Full-time

A fantastic win from United thanks to goals from Fernandes (2), Rashford and James.

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Time for five?

Sociedad are still pushing high and United expose them on the counter-attack (again). Amad unfortunate to lose possession, but he has a real chance of starting next week now.

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Added time

Five more minutes left to play.

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GOAL! 4-0 United (James)

A beautiful solo goal from James who has loads of space on the right wing, runs into the box and slots beyond the keeper.

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All eyes on Amad

The debutant hasn’t done much since he came on. Perhaps a reminder of his raw talent.

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Food for thought

Good games from Henderson, Bailly and James tonight.

The three of them haven’t been starting much this season – but have once again shown their use to the first-team set-up.

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Not done yet

Sociedad showing some more late fight, but United still look the most likely to get another.

Greenwood hit one into the side-netting before he was subbed and United look hungry for even more.

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United changes as Amad makes debut

ON: Amad, Mata.

Off: Greenwood, Fernandes.

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Got to score

More quick play carves Sociedad open and releases James at goal – but his low shot is saved with ease.

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Enjoying themselves

It started out as a tricky tie – but huge credit to Solskjaer for his approach tonight.

Rather than look to nullify Sociedad he has instead embraced United’s own attacking threat.

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Watch: United’s third goal

A moment to savour.

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United change

ON: Martial

OFF: Rashford

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Goal disallowed

Daniel James fires in a fourth, but it is disallowed for an offside in the build-up.

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GOAL! 3-0 United (Rashford)

That should be the tie.

Marcus Rashford storms through the Sociedad defence and calmly slots into the net.

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Fernandes equals Lingard record

This isn’t even a dig at Jesse Lingard, just an incredible reflection on Fernandes.

61′ – RS 0-2 MUTyrone Marshall

Unsung hero

Sums up what Rashford can offer that he’s played a key role in both of Fernandes’ goals but has missed two gilt-edged chances himself. His finishing can still improve, but it’s unlikely he’s going to become a world class finisher now. Fortunately for United he offers enough in other areas to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

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United change

ON: Matic

OFF: McTominay

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GOAL! 2-0 United (Fernandes)

A second for United after a lengthy VAR Check.

Marcus Rashford picks out Daniel James, he takes a touch and Bruno Fernandes curls home the loose ball.

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United urging James forward

“DJ, DJ, up the pitch!” screams a United player. They are obviously keen for Daniel James to push further up and expose the vulnerable Nacho Monreal.

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Warning sign

Really nice play down the left from Sociedad sees the ball worked central to David Silva. He swings a left foot at the ball, but it is just behind him and scuffs forward.

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Vital defending

Super work from Harry Maguire to cover ground at the near-post and block a cross which was destined for Isak.

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Second-half

We’re back under way.

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Amad has a chance of a debut

United already exposing the Real Sociedad defence and now have the luxury to drop deeper after the ‘away goal.’ Seems the ideal opportunity to put Amad on the right and let him run at Monreal on the break.

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The main man

No surprise to see Bruno Fernandes the difference maker once aagin.

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WATCH: Picture highlights from Turin

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The half-time verdict

United did better as the half went on.

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How the United players have rated so far

Henderson

Important early save. 7

Wan-Bissaka

Booked but defended solidly. 6

Bailly

Early error but regained composure. 6

Maguire

Not looked too comfortable. 6

Telles

Coped well with Januzaj. 7

Fred

Provided balance. 6

McTominay

Reiterated his importance. 7

Fernandes

Just as well he can finish. 7

Greenwood

Selfless performance. 6

James

Running around like a headless chicken. 3

Rashford

Woeful finishing. 4

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Half-time

United lead at the break.

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It perfectly suits United

Given the away goal it now perfectly suits United for the rest of the match.

They have looked great on the counter-attack and will only get more opportunity as Sociedad push further up.

Even in a pessimistic mindset – a draw or defeat wouldn’t be disastrous now United have scored.

(Image: 2021 Manchester United FC)