Manchester United’s 4-1 triumph over Real Sociedad last night was undoubtedly one of the best of the Ruben Amorim era, booking their place in the quarterfinal against French side Lyon.
Bruno Fernandes captured all the headlines and rightfully so with his hat-trick, with his goals the difference between qualifying or getting knocked out given the 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
Compatriot Diogo Dalot also got himself on the scoresheet, hopefully giving the 25-year-old added confidence in the side after struggling to impress in recent weeks.
It was an all-round effort from the side, with their triumph over the LaLiga outfit putting Amorim one step closer to winning his maiden trophy at Old Trafford – potentially ending the campaign on a positive note after their poor form in the Premier League.
Such a convincing performance will give confidence to the manager but also many of the players who have been unable to perform throughout 2024/25.
Hojlund & Zirkzee’s stats for United against Sociedad
Despite their lack of goals in this campaign, Amorim opted to start with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as part of the front three, with both managing to produce admirable displays.
The Dane may have failed to find the back of the net once again, but he managed to register the assist for Dalot’s late strike, making himself a nuisance to the opposition and winning four of his six aerial duels.
He also completed 84% of the passes he attempted, creating three chances for his teammates, having a real positive impact within the final third.
As for the Dutchman, he also failed to find the back of the net but managed to register four efforts on goal, offering a constant threat in the final third throughout.
The 23-year-old also completed three dribbles during the win, finding a teammate with 100% of the long balls he attempted, starting to show his quality after his disappointing start to life at Old Trafford.
However, despite the showings of the aforementioned pair, one other player stepped up, potentially being Amorim’s new version of a star who thrived at Sporting CP.
The player who is Amorim’s new Gyokeres
Striker Viktor Gyokeres has been a name constantly touted with a move to United, potentially following Amorim to England after his impressive form in Portugal.
The Swedish international has registered 82 goals in his 90 appearances for Sporting, with many supporters wanting the manager to be reunited with his former talisman.
However, strikers in today’s market cost a fortune, potentially making a deal too expensive this summer, but the fanbase shouldn’t worry, with midfielder Fernandes showcasing that he’s capable of making the jump to being the boss’s new talisman.
The 30-year-old has been a shining light throughout 2024/25, still managing to produce the goods despite their lowly Premier League standing, which sees them sit in the bottom half of the table.
He’s notched 26 combined goals and assists to date, with his three goals only bolstering his already impressive record despite the lack of success endured by the first-team.
Bruno has now notched 10 goals since the manager’s appointment in late November last year – the most of any player – showcasing his talents, making it unthinkable as to where they’d be without him.
Despite his deep-lying role, he registered six efforts on goal, creating four opportunities for his teammates in the process – producing a sensational attacking display.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
3
Shots taken
6
Chances created
4
Aerials won
1/1 (100%)
Recoveries made
9
Tackles won
2
He also won 100% of the aerial duels he entered, whilst making nine recoveries and winning two tackles, demonstrating his importance at both ends.
His goalscoring record is truly phenomenal for a midfielder, consistently producing the goods when needed, with Amorim always able to rely on him to get the side out of trouble.
While a striker is undoubtedly a priority this summer, Fernandes has proved he’s capable of being the star man under the new management side, hoping to play a pivotal role in any future success during his tenure.
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