Man Utd player ratings: Hat-trick hero while much-maligned midfielder also shines in win

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The match began with an early setback for United when referee Benoît Bastien, after a VAR review, awarded Sociedad a penalty following Matthijs de Ligt’s foul on Mikel Oyarzabal.

Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot, putting the visitors ahead. However, United responded quickly, winning a penalty of their own moments later after Rasmus Højlund was fouled in the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly sent Alex Remiro the wrong way to equalize.

United took control in the second half, earning another penalty just three minutes after the restart when Patrick Dorgu was brought down inside the area. Fernandes once again converted to give United the lead.

Sociedad’s night went from bad to worse when Jon Aramburu was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Dorgu. Fernandes completed his hat-trick late on, before Diogo Dalot sealed the victory with a well-taken fourth goal.

André Onana – 6

Couldn’t prevent another penalty from finding the net, making it 14 out of 16 conceded in normal play. Made one comfortable save but otherwise had little to do.

Ayden Heaven – 8

A composed and assured display despite this being only his third senior appearance. Looked far more experienced than his years suggest.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6

Conceded an early penalty with a clumsy challenge on Oyarzabal but settled down afterward and defended well.

Noussair Mazraoui – 7

Shifted into a right-sided defensive role after a strong outing as a winger against Arsenal. Solid at the back and provided a good cross for a Zirkzee header.

Diogo Dalot – 7

Heavily involved in possession, linking up well with Alejandro Garnacho. Lost the ball at one point, earning a stern look from Casemiro, but made up for it with a late goal.

Casemiro – 8

Unlocked the Sociedad defense with a brilliant pass leading to United’s first penalty. Made an important block before halftime and was applauded off when substituted.

Bruno Fernandes – 9

Brought United level with a confident penalty, then doubled his tally with another spot-kick in the second half. Completed his hat-trick with a late goal in a commanding display.

Patrick Dorgu – 7

Took a few shots without much threat but won a penalty after being fouled by Aritz Elustondo. Later, he was cynically brought down by Aramburu, leading to a red card.

Joshua Zirkzee – 8

Showed good awareness to set up a chance for Højlund and delivered a perfect pass that led to Aramburu’s dismissal. Missed chances himself but contributed effectively.

Alejandro Garnacho – 6

Assisted Fernandes’ third goal and played a role in Højlund’s penalty win. Made a poor decision in the 65th minute, opting to pass instead of shooting when well-placed.

Rasmus Højlund – 7

Caused problems for Sociedad’s defense with his physicality, even drawing blood from Igor Zubeldia. Had his best half in months but missed key chances.

Toby Collyer – 7

Added energy to the team after coming on.

Christian Eriksen – 6

Had little time to make an impact.

Made a bold call to start Ayden Heaven over Victor Lindelöf, and his faith in Casemiro paid off. A well-executed tactical performance.