MANCHESTER UNITED outclassed Real Sociedad in Turin to likely put this Europa League round of 32 tie to bed 90 minutes early.
The match, being played at Juventus’ home ground because of European travel restrictions, got off to a chaotic start, as both sides got used to their surroundings.
United celebrate conquering neutral territoryCredit: AP:Associated Press
But it was the Red Devils, and not the ‘home’ side that got to grips with things sooner, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men comfortably took control of proceedings.
With the tie likely now in the bag, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James, SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each United performer on the night.
DEAN HENDERSON – 7
Was alert to deny Alexander Isak down low in the opening minutes.
Looked confident between the sticks, and began the move leading to Rashford’s United third.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7
Yellow carded for a late challenge on Nacho Monreal.
Former Crystal Palace youngster provided his usual defensive nous against the tricky Oyarzabal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka challenges Mikel MerinoCredit: Reuters
ERIC BAILLY – 7
Dreadful touch early on could have cost United dearly, but for old boy Adnan Januzaj curling wide. Did make an important block to thwart a three-on-two for Sociedad and grew into the contest.
Produced a number of trademark acrobatic clearances and looked a better option next to Harry Maguire than Victor Lindelof.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Was made to look terribly slow by Isak when balls were sent in behind early on. Did make an important tackle on the forward to prevent a one-on-one.
Stunning, goal-saving, last ditch block from Mikel Oyarzabal’s inviting cross early in the second half.
Skipper played well and often sent United on their way with a slick range of passing.
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Harry Maguire is outpaced by Alexander IsakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ALEX TELLES – 6
Exquisite ball to play Fernandes in behind in the 19th minute, with Rashford somehow failing to convert the Portuguese’s subsequent square. Nutmegged by Januzaj, and struggled at times in the first-half against the Belgian.
Not a bad outing, but not one to suggest that Luke Shaw will be losing his place any time soon.
FRED – 7
Brazilian produced a fantastic pass to play in Rashford for United’s third.
Understated as ever, the midfielder subtly did his job well in the middle of the park.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 7
Nearly gave United a 16th minute lead when he powerfully burst into the box, only to be denied by Alex Remiro.
Hobbled off on the hour mark after a typically imposing performance.
McTominay bursts into the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DANIEL JAMES – 7
Took a clattering from Monreal on the stroke of half-time when in a decent position. Lucky not to be booked for a late challenge on David Silva.
Produced a deft touch to tee up Fernandes’ second. Thought he’d scored from Mason Greenwood’s square, only to be denied by the offside flag. Might have netted with 10 minutes remaining, only to be denied by Remiro, before finally getting his goal in the 90th minute.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 9
Teed up Rashford following a great pass by Telles, and nearly headed home himself on the rebound. Accepted a gift of a blunder from the Sociedad defence to convert into the empty net for United’s opener.
Provided a clinical finish 12 minutes into the second half for his 21st of the season and was once again the chief creator for others as well.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
Denied one-on-one within the opening two minutes of the game. Somehow squandered a golden 19th minute chance from Fernandes’ square, but did lay on a great pass for the Portuguese’s first strike.
Rashford then found James in the build-up to Fernandes’ second and grabbed a goal of his own shortly after, slotting past Remiro after being played in brilliantly by Fred.
Rashford slots home United’s thirdCredit: Reuters
MASON GREENWOOD – 6
Ran in behind to tee up James, but replays showed that he went too early, with the goal being ruled out for offside.
Buzzed around keenly, but struggled to make a huge impact down the middle.
SUBSTITUTES
Nemanja Matic (for McTominay, 60) – 6 Quiet outing for the Serbian as United put the tie to bed.
Anthony Martial (for Rashford, 68) – 5 Frenchman struggled to match the influence of Rashford as the game wound down.
Amad Diallo for (Greenwood, 83) – N/A Not enough time for the new boy to shine on his senior debut.
Juan Mata (for Fernandes, 83) – N/A A brief, rare outing for the Spaniard late on.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
