Europa League

MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a turbulent time, with troubles on and off the pitch.Keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.LYING IN WAITEMANCHESTER United have targeted Jarrad Branthwaite to be their next defensive kingpin.But Ruben Amorim will have to win the Europa League and achieve Champions League football to prise the Everton ace out of Goodison this summer.United bosses have been hot on Branthwaite, 22, for more than a year and are ready to meet his £50m-plus valuation.Branthwaite, who made his England debut in the pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia, has not featured for the Three Lions since and was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.The Cumbrian-born defender is understood to be ready to consider the short journey from Merseyside for the profile a move to United would give him.But Branthwaite is determined that any move should be to a team playing in the Champions League, offering him a genuine showcase for his top-tier talents – and the opportunity to persuade Tuchel he should be in the World Cup mix.Spurs, whose season, like United’s, is now all about the Europa League, are potential rivals for Branthwaite’s signature.But the Old Trafford side believe they can get the deal over the line.Jarrad Branthwaite has cemented his place as a top Premier League playerBRANDON BACK ON TRACKFORMER United left-back Brandon Williams is looking to get his career back on track after a tough 12 months.Williams, 24, looked set for a golden future at Old Trafford after making 38 appearances for United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 campaign.But his United career fizzled out with 14 matches the next season and just one more appearance either side of loan spells at Norwich and Ipswich before he was released when his contract expired last summer.This month, Williams pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after being caught speeding at 99mph in a 70 zone before a crash in August 2023, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for May.Yet a reflective Williams was able to talk about the highs and lows of being a professional footballer on the new “More than a Match” podcast in what seemed like a first step towards a better future.Senior United officials are aware of his difficulties off the pitch and would like nothing more than to see him back in football.Brandon Williams played a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in 2023Credit: GettyMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad THE BIONIQ MANDIOGO Dalot would have had more than just Portugal’s Nations League quarter-final against Croatia to discuss with Cristiano Ronaldo this week – after teaming up with the one-time King of Old Trafford in a business venture.Dalot was announced as having made a €1million (£840,000) investment in nutritional supplement company Bioniq.Ronaldo was unveiled as a “major investor” in the company last year.Dalot says he has “created his own supplement routine, allowing him to vary his nutrient intake based on his performance goals”.To be fair, he has been a consistent performer in an inconsistent season for United, missing just one Prem game and making 45 appearances in all competitions.Diogo Dalot has teamed up with compatriot Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPABLAME GAMEMAN United’s decision to raise season ticket prices by five per cent for fans aged 16-plus has not exactly gone down well.Even if all 52,000 current season ticket holders were working age adults – senior citizens will get an across the board 25 per cent reduction next term – it would raise only an extra £1.5m in revenues for the club.But failing to win the Europa League and missing out on Europe altogether will mean at least four fewer home games next season.A number of current season ticket holders exercised their “opt out” on European ties but every game at Old Trafford sees United bank more than £5m – and the quarter-final first leg against Lyon next month will be their sixth match in the competition this term.JOB LOTUNITED may be in turmoil on and off the pitch but that has not changed the tone of the club’s upbeat job adverts – despite a planned second wave of mass redundancies.While a total of 450 jobs wil be shed as part of the club’s cost-cutting drive, United are actually hiring a head of sports nutrition.And the upbeat tone of the ad still makes United’s Carrington training ground a fun place to work.The club boasts: “At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch.“Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success.“We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.“We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. “We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.”Despite showing the door to hundreds of loyal workers in the past 12 months, the ad continues: “Here at Manchester United, we place great emphasis on a culture of connection, respect, and teamwork.” More

FANS hailed Patrick Dorgu after spotting the Manchester United star’s incredibly classy gesture against Real Sociedad.The Red Devils cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 4-1 win over their Spanish opponents on Thursday night.Fans loved Patrick Dorgu’s incredible gesture after winning a penalty for Man UtdThe ace went down as his side smashed Real Sociedad 4-1Credit: RexBruno Fernandes netted a hat-trick at Old Trafford, with two of his goals coming from the penalty spot.Diogo Dalot put the finishing touches on a wonderful result as United sealed a 5-2 aggregate win to set up a final eight tie against French giants Lyon.Meanwhile, Sociedad’s sole goal in the second leg also came via a penalty, making it three successful spot-kicks on the night.But there were actually FOUR penalties given at the Theatre of Dreams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes looked set for a stunning spot-kick treble against 10-man Sociedad when referee Benoit Bastien awarded United their third of the game.January arrival Dorgu looked to have been fouled in the box by Hamari Traore.But the left-back immediately made a classy gesture as he went over to the official to insist he had NOT been fouled.VAR then got involved, with video replays showing Traore had indeed made contact with the ball during his challenge.Most read in Europa LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe slow-motion action, along with Dorgu’s incredible sportsmanship, saw Bastien overturn his original decision.And despite United missing out on the chance to score yet another penalty, fans revealed they were incredibly proud of Dorgu’s brilliant gesture.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.One said: “It’s a shame this kind of thing is so rare in football, brilliant sportsmanship.”Another declared: “Great sportsmanship, good kid.”One noted: “At least bro is honest.”Another added: “Great show of sportsmanship in a game that doesn’t have a lot of it, well done Dorgu.”Boss Ruben Amorim was also pleased with Dorgu’s behaviour.He said: “It is the right thing to do so I am quite proud of him but I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing that I’d have the same response.” More

CAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare.Bruno Fernandes has hit goalscoring form in recent weeks and has dragged his side to points and crucial victories.Captain Fantastic Fernandes scored a hat-trickCredit: GettyDiogo Dalot added a fourth late onCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee had one of his best games in a United shirtCredit: APHe was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against Real Sociedad.Then he raced through late on to smash the ball into the bottom corner – his second Man Utd hat-trick sealed the tie.United suffered an early scare as the Spaniards went in front with a penalty after five minutes, but they recovered brilliantly.From that point on it was all United and they were quickly back level after Rasmus Hojlund was felled in the box.The striker once again struggled in front of goal but for once it did not cost his team, who threatened throughout.Joshua Zirkzee was the best of the bunch and his trickery teed up Hojlund for a certain goal – only for him to fluff his lines from five yards.Patrick Dorgu also got forward well and forced a red card for defender Jon Aramburu, who dragged him down as last man.The left-back won his side a penalty and would have earned a second if he had not told the ref to overturn his decision.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHere is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils display…ANDRE ONANA – 6No doubt one of those £1.3bn part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe “inherited” and declared as “overpaid”.In other words the goalkeeper bought for £43.8m from Inter Milan under ex-boss Erik ten Hag and on at least £175,000 a week will almost certainly feel his Old Trafford days are numbered if Ratcliffe has his way.But the goalkeeper had no chance with Mikel Oyarzabal’s early VAR penalty and this was one of his calmer, more steadfast performances, although not over-worked.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6United don’t usually do bargain buys but the wing-back forced into the back three due to lack of available numbers has proved himself to be exactly that at £12.7m from Bayern Munich.Last summer’s arrival, as ever, hardly looked like Mr. Personality but he was solid and reliable, as ever, even if he wasn’t playing in the position he was bought to fill.His steadying influence was most notable amidst a Sociedad maelstrom as the Basque side complained bitterly over the award of United’s first penalty as he pushed the mob away.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7The Dutchman has had his doubters since his arrival from Bayern Munich at the start of the season and it’s taken him time to settle in.But settle in he has and in the first half, playing in the middle or Rubin Amorim’s makeshift back three, was a real leader and especially dominant in the air and was victim of a ridiculous penalty decision.He’s not the quickest but he is very good at holding a line – as he showed in the first half when Sociedad were throwing everything at the United box – the 25-year-old’s on the way to becoming a fan favourite.AYDEN HEAVEN – 7The 18-year-old’s only senior action for Arsenal before being persuaded to head north was the last ten minutes of a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston in October.Yet here he was as injured Leny Yoro’s deputy making his European debut and the centre-back did himself proud.One challenge on the incoming Takefusa Kubo thirty yards out mid-way through the first half was exceptional and spoke volumes for his potential as a top centre-half.DIOGO DALOT – 5 Portuguese played in his favourite right wing-back position and you can never say he doesn’t give it everything.It just that what he does give can be a bit predictable and that showed even as United recovered from their early fright and began scaring the Spaniards witless.Dependable enough, committed enough and at the moment almost certainly a must–pick given United’s injury problems at the back – but one with questions marks over his long–term future, although he did bag United’s late fourth.CASEMIRO – 7He may be ageing before our very eyes even if he is only 33 but even if the legs are going the football brain is still very sharp.Maybe he does have old legs but that old brain of his was crucial before the break when Sociedad were moving forward in numbers and in confidence.Produced a fine 19th-minute right footer that only just skipped wide before producing a brilliant display of ball skills near the end of the first half, a juggling act that got his team out of deep trouble.BRUNO FERNANDES – 9Brilliant free kick from that so–called dodgy 11.2 yards for the equaliser in Sunday’s 1 – 1 draw with Arsenal and just carried on in style again.Cool spot kick equaliser in the 16th minute and ditto for the spot kick that sent United ahead five minutes after the break.Sometimes tried the impossible – one shot from almost 40 yards out surprised only someone in the Stretford End but he’s become a true Red leader and capped off his performance with a stunning hat–trick clincher.PATRICK DORGU – 7 Beginning to show why Ruben Amorim was so keen on him and that £25.15m outlay to Lecce is beginning to pay off.He was slow to release the ball and got caught in possession at the start of the build-up that ended in the penalty for Sociedad.But he started gaining plenty of momentum from that early moment on and produced a proper wing-back performance, forging repeatedly up the left flank and twice almost finding the net.Patrick Dorgu was a key threatCredit: GettyJOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 7 Got last week’s opener in the 1-1 first-leg clash in San Sebastian although it was still only his sixth since arriving in summer.Another who Ratcliffe will believe isn’t giving value for money and nobody could blame him for that given his goal ratio.But there’s definitely a player in there, just not a striker for some of his running and passing was excellent – he got a rousing reception when he was replaced near the end from fans who are really backing him.RASMUS HOJLUND – 4That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Seeing the young Dane going through continuing agony in front of goal is a tough watch because, no question, he’s giving his all but his confidence is completely shredded.Was brought down for Fernandes to score the second of his two penalties but he was only eight yards out and was so slow in reacting to his captain’s pass that Igor Zubeldia bundled into him from behind.Rasmus Hojlund fluffed his lines againCredit: EPAALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6 Good early strike cutting in from the right but the Argentinian can be a really greedy kid.Could easily have laid the ball back for the waiting Fernandes when the chips were down in the first half but went for the Hollywood strike himself and smashed the ball into a forest of Basque legs.But he is learning to work harder for the team defensively at least – producing one tremendous pressing block near a Sociedad corner flag that brought a punch of delight from him and a roar of approval from the home fans.SUBSTOBY COLLYER (for Casemiro 78) – 5Ran around energetically as usual and made some nice passes.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN ( for Zirkzee 87) – 5One tame effort from outside the box that did not trouble the keeper. More

WILSON ODOBERT went from Mr Forgettable to the centre of attention by rescuing Ange Postecoglou in his hour of need.The Frenchman, 20, has hardly played since joining from Burnley in August for £25million due to a serious hamstring injury.Wilson Odobert celebrates his crucial second goalCredit: EPAOdobert slid home the final strike on 74 minutesCredit: AlamyJames Maddison lashed Tottenham’s second goalCredit: APBut he stepped up when it mattered most here as his first goals for the club helped Spurs to a second-leg comeback against AZ and into the Europa League last eight.Odobert netted either side of a James Maddison strike, which he also had a hand in, and a Peer Koopmeiners’ effort which gave AZ some short-lived hope.It was vindication for boss Postecoglou for starting the youngster despite his lack of game-time.And a decision that may well have helped save his job.Most read in FootballMake no mistake, the heat could have cranked up to intolerable levels on the Aussie if he had lost this game.It would have effectively ended their season, given they are out of both domestic cups and down to 13th in the league.But victory last night keeps their Europa League dream alive and the possibility that this difficult second season can still have a glorious finale under the ex-Celtic chief.Postecoglou’s side had stunk the place out in the first leg at the home of the Cheese Farmers.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat is the delightful nickname for AZ Alkmaar on account of the town’s association with the much-loved sandwich filler.Tottenham were lucky to lose only 1-0 and were it not for a couple of top stops from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, they would have been toast at the halfway stage of this tie.Heartwarming reason Tottenham stars all wore odd socks in training ahead of Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar Postecoglou was boosted by his first-choice centre-back pairing being able to start for the first time in three months.Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven had not lined up alongside each other since they both got injured at home to Chelsea on December 8.Romero made his comeback in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and looked rusty as an old nail, misplacing passes left, right and centre.But here he looked far more focused from the off and looked to spark attacks from deep whenever he could.The Argentine World Cup winner also added that fire that has been sorely lacking from the Spurs in recent months, snapping into tackles and giving former team-mate Troy Parrott a rollicking when he felt the Irishman was feigning injury.Vicario, Postecoglou and Son had urged the Spurs fans to generate a buzzing atmosphere ahead of the game to give the team every advantage of turning it round.And in fairness, the crowd duly obliged by bringing the noise.Spurs looked far sharper than in the Netherlands – admittedly, a low bar to overcome – and their pressing game was on point.In fact it was from some tireless closing down by captain Son Heung-min that the hosts took the lead.The South Korean’s industry paid off as Wouter Goes’ poor pass deflected off the Spurs skipper into Dominic Solanke’s path.Odobert rifled the opener in the 26th minuteCredit: GettyAZ ace Peer Koopmeiners briefly levelled the tie on aggregateCredit: GettySolanke then squared for Odobert, who blasted in his first strike since the opening day of the season for Burnley against Luton in the Championship – four days before he joined Spurs.Postecoglou often criticises his side for being “too passive” after bad displays but they were aggressive in everything they did here, with Romero and Van de Ven setting the tone.But Spurs have always looked capable of shooting themselves in the foot during Postecoglou’s reign – and long before that, in truth – so you always feared a mistake.Pedro Porro provided one just before half-time with a weak pass straight to the opposition which led to the excellently-named Zico Buurmeester firing a warning shot wide.Then shortly after half-time, Vicario had fans having kittens as he messed around with the ball at his feet and almost lost it to Parrott right in front of his goal.Yet seconds later, Spurs were 2-0 up.Porro won the ball and played it to Odobert, who shipped it on to Maddison.The England man, desperate for a recall to the national squad today (FRI), exchanged a clever one-two with Son before firing home his 11th goal of the season.Spurs looked relatively comfortable at that point – but then, just after the hour, disaster struck.Odobert had raced back to intercept but then saw Bergvall’s careless pass ricochet off him into the path of Koopmeiners, who provided the most clinical of finishes.Eleven minutes later though, the former PSG academy man more than made up for it by finishing off a breathtaking team goal at the far post.Maddison began the move with a clever turn which led to Spence cutting the ball across the box, Solanke backheeling it on and Odobert sticking it in at the far post.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was Ange Ball at its finest – which could not have come at a better time for Postecoglou.The goal reminded everyone what his team is capable of when they are purring, and just why this season can still be a success. More