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    Fans spot ‘disappointed father’ Casemiro giving Diogo Dalot death stare after Man Utd star made huge blunder

    CASEMIRO made his feelings towards Diogo Dalot abundantly clear by giving him a death stare during last night’s win over Real Sociedad.Manchester United romped to a 4-1 victory over the Spaniards at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.Casemiro gave Diogo Dalot a death stare following an inexplicable errorDalot tried to shield the ball out of play but lost possession to a Real Sociedad attackerCredit: GettyCasemiro slid in to rescue Dalot but made sure his team-mate knew what he thought about itCredit: RexThe visitors took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot before Bruno Fernandes scored two penalties of his own to give the Red Devils the lead. However, minutes after going in front Dalot made an inexplicable error in his own penalty area.The 25-year-old, playing at right wing-back, tried to shield the ball out of play following a stray pass.But the ball lacked the necessary speed to be shepherded out, with Dalot then being moved aside by Ander Barrenetxea who had the chance to create a dangerous opportunity out of nothing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for Dalot, Casemiro was on hand to quickly snuff out the danger by sliding in and putting the ball out for a corner.As he got back up to his feet, the Brazilian veteran then turned to look at Dalot.And fans could not help but notice the intensity of the stare, with the five-time Champions League winner not pleased by Dalot’s soft error.Taking to social media, one fan said: “BRO GAVE DALOT THE EYES.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA second said: “Man looked like a disappointed father.”A third said: “Casemiro staring at Dalot killed me.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Another said: “Casemiro giving Dalot the death stare completely finished me.”A fifth added: “Glad Dalot walked away cause this was an Undertaker WrestleMania stare.”Minutes later, his opposite wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, was played in behind by Joshua Zirkzee before being fouled by the last defender Jon Aramburu, who was subsequently sent off.Dorgu had earlier won the penalty for Fernandes’ second goal of the evening.Ruben Amorim’s side, now with a player advantage, continued to put pressure on the visitors, with Casemiro being replaced by Toby Collyer in the 78th minute after a strong display.They looked set to be handed another goal when referee Benoît Bastien awarded a fourth penalty of the night following a foul on Dorgu by Hamari Traoré.However, Dorgu made a classy gesture by admitting to the ref that the tackle was not a penalty.Amorim said of the gesture: “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.”United’s attacking play was rewarded when Fernandes raced through on goal to smash his third goal into the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESDalot added a fourth in injury time following some exquisite play by Rasmus Hojlund, who did everything but score in a bright performance.Man Utd’s 5-2 aggregate win has set up a quarter-final tie against Lyon in April.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. More

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    Fenerbahce fans tear seats to shreds at Ibrox in loss to Rangers as shock images emerge

    DOZENS of Ibrox seats were smashed to pieces by frustrated Fenerbahce fans after they saw their team crash out of the Europa League to Rangers.The Scottish Premiership side marched into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a dramatic penalty shootout win in Glasgow.The damage at Ibrox was significantCredit: WILLIE VASSSeveral chairs were ripped apart in the away sectionCredit: WILLIE VASSAround 2,000 Fenerbahce fans were in attendance at the gameCredit: WILLIE VASSGers lost 2-0 on the night to the Turkish giants after a 3-1 win in Istanbul but triumphed in the end thanks to two spot kick saves by Jack Butland and a howler from Mert Hakan Yandaş.For most of the night in the stands the relationship between the two sets of supporters was cordial.Both home and away fans joined together in a minute’s applause for tragic Gers supporter Chris Potter, who died in a car accident in Istanbul last week.Rangers had erected segregation netting inside the stadium for the first time.It will be in use again for the home tie against Athletic Bilbao and the next Old Firm game against Celtic.However towards the end of the match, things turned sour.Contentious decisions on the pitch – including three penalty claims for Fenerbahce – led to some unsavoury scenes in the stands.Fenerbahce goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat was targeted by a missile thrown from the crowd during extra-time.Most read in FootballThe keeper picked up a vape and handed it to referee Espen Eskas, who disposed of it beside the pitch.Meanwhile at the other end of the stadium in the Broomloan Stand (the incident involving Eğribayat happened down towards the Copland Stand), images show the damage caused to seats at Ibrox by some Fenerbahce louts.Celtic ultras spray paint train green and white as Rangers build-up begins Several of the chairs had the backs and/or the seat ripped from its hinges.The vandalism took place in the lower tier of the stand, nearest to the goal.Ibrox won’t host another match until April 5, when Gers welcome Hibs, allowing for repairs to be carried out.Ferguson hails heroesBy BILL LECKIEAfter the game, Barry Ferguson hailed his Rangers heroes for riding a rollercoaster to Euro glory.The caretaker Ibrox boss went through every emotion as his leg-weary side clung on to win a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after throwing away a two-goal first leg led.And a drained Ferguson said: “This team has been fine when they’ve gone ahead, but when something goes against them they go into their shells.“But this time, they didn’t. They kept driving on, they kept running themselves into the ground. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves, they showed character – and maybe some people will now start to think these guys have got something about them. “This was definitely one of the longest rollercoaster rides you’ll ever be on. I mean, where do you start? We played well, we could have done better on their two goals, then we handled the penalties situation really well.“I’m delighted for Jack. I’ve known him since he was a young boy at Birmingham when I played there and he’s a great lad. He’s taken a lot of flak recently, but he’s been brilliant here.“I’m delighted for all the players, for the board of directors and most of all for the supporters, who now get another great away day.”But Ferguson refused to rate his side’s chances against Athletic Bilbao in the last eight – because all he wants to think about is facing Celtic two days from now.He said: “As soon as I ran on the park and jumped on Jack’s back, all that was in my head was who’d be ready for Sunday.“It’s about who’s going to walk into the  training centre in half-decent condition, that’s all I’m thinking just now. We’ll take care of the Bilbao situation after we play another few games.“The most important thing for me here was just to get into the last eight. It gets the club a couple of pounds, but also it gives my group of players to go and showcase their talents against really top opposition. “We need to go and show what it means to play at this club. It’s a long shot in terms of getting to the final, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”Meanwhile, gutted Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho – who swears his side should have had a penalty for a Nico Raskin tackle on Hakan Yandas in the last minute of extra time – says it will be a PHENOMENAL result if Rangers knock out Bilbao.The Spaniards beat his former club Roma earlier in the evening and he smiled: “I see Roma played with ten men from the tenth minute. And the final is in Bilbao.“It’s the Road to Bilbao, yes?“So it will be phenomenal if Rangers beat them. I played against Bilbao in the group stage and they are a stronger side than Rangers, but anything is possible.“As for us, we won tonight. We won 2-0. Only one team scored, only one team deserved to score more, only one team deserved to win after 90 minutes, after 120 minutes. READ MORE SUN STORIES“On 120 minutes, we should have had a penalty – though maybe we would have missed it.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    ‘It’s a shame this is so rare in football’ – Fans spot Patrick Dorgu’s incredibly classy gesture in Man Utd win

    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

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    Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes a true leader, Zirkzee is excellent but Hojlund a tough watch vs Real Sociedad

    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. 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    Tottenham 3 AZ Alkmaar 1 (agg 3-2): Odobert scores either side of Maddison to seal incredible Europa League comeback

    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. 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    Europa League quarter-finals CONFIRMED as Man Utd and Tottenham learn their fate

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham are through to the Europa League quarter-finals. United saw past Real Sociedad 4-1 on the night thanks to a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick – winning 5-2 on aggregate. Bruno Fernandes fired Man Utd into the Europa League quarter-finalsCredit: ReutersJames Maddison helped Spurs into the next roundCredit: GettyAnd they will now play France’s Lyon – who hammered Romania FCSB’s 7-1 over two legs. Spurs beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 in their second leg and 3-2 overall to progress into the last eight. And they will now play Germans Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Ajax 4-1 in their last 16 second leg.Bodo/Glimt will also play Lazio while Athletic Bilbao take on Rangers after the Scottish giants dramatically beat Fenerbahce on penalties. READ MORE IN football United went 1-0 down at home to Sociedad after Mikel Oyarzabal fired the Spaniards into a shock lead. But two penalties and an 87th minute Fernandes goal saw his hat-trick heroics guide United through.Fernandes said: “This club is all about winning. We need to win games. “We have a long way to go, but we are confident if we focus on every game ahead and have the right mentality we can win games.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilson Odobert got two for Tottenham while James Maddison got on the scoresheet to cancel out Peer Koopmeiners consolation. Maddison said: “The next stage is what we set out to do at the start of the two legs. “There was a lot of talk after last week’s performance, we were honest with ourselves it wasn’t good enough.”I know what we’re capable of here and we got the job done. We haven’t achieved anything yet, we’re in the quarter-final and we kick on and we look forward to it.”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. More

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    Man Utd 4 Real Sociedad 1 (agg 5-2): Bruno Fernandes scores hat-trick as United storm into Europa League quarter-final

    IT’S safe to assume Jim Ratcliffe was not talking about Bruno Fernandes when he groaned about certain Manchester United players being ‘overpaid and not good enough’.In fact amid all the job cuts and costs being slashed at Old Trafford, they might have to find a way to give the skipper a pay rise.Bruno Fernandes scored twice from the penalty spot to send his side throughCredit: APThe United skipper kept his cool before slotting homeCredit: APReal Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the fifth minuteCredit: PARasmus Hojlund faltered in front of goal once againCredit: EPATime and time again it is the Portuguese talisman who comes to their rescue. Where would the Red Devils be without him?With their season on a knife edge after an early penalty put Real Sociedad in command, Fernandes was the coolest man on the park – not once, but twice.He scored two spot-kicks of his own – one in each half – to edge Ruben Amorim’s men into the quarter-finals against their 10-man opponents.Then he claimed the match ball by latching onto Alejandro Garnacho’s pass to smash his effort into the corner.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThanks to him a chaotic campaign is still alive – and could still result in an unlikely spot in the Champions League in September.Just five games now separate United from Europa League glory and a ticket back to the top table – if Fernandes carries on playing like this, you never know.The riches that come with that would be a big boost to the Old Trafford coffers – and Amorim’s transfer kitty.Ratcliffe has had plenty to say this week – talking about the situation they walked into last year at United and also some of the players they ‘inherited’.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet three of those he name-checked in his wide-ranging interview – Andre Onana, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund – were all picked to start in a game that was pivotal to their season.As Amorim said pre-match, all of them had the chance to prove themselves to the billionaire Ineos magnate.Wayne Rooney launches brutal attack on Man Utd flops and names only two he’d keep United wasted the chance to all but seal a quarter-final spot in the first leg in San Sebastian last week as they tired and allowed the Spanish side back into it.And the visitors started here like they were determined to make the most of that reprieve.Matthijs De Ligt looked to have just beaten Mikel Oyarzabal to a cross from Artiz Elustondo – and in any case the offside flag went up.But there were a few appeals for a penalty among the travelling fans and the VAR told ref Benoit Bastien to have a look at his monitor.That showed the Euro 2024 winner had drawn a foul from the United defender.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.Just as he did last week, the Spanish forward scored emphatically from the spot – sending Onana the wrong way.Only 10 minutes gone and United were behind to a team currently 11th in the Spanish league.Given United’s dismal record here this season, heads could easily have gone down but spurred on by the skipper, they hit back.Fernandes rolled a cross into the area and Hojlund looked certain to score until he was shoved in the back by Igor Zubeldia.It was a clear penalty and the Sociedad captain was perhaps a little bit fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.Despite the pressure, Fernandes confidently stroked home his 13th goal of the season beating Alex Remiro from the spot.He wasn’t finished there though – turning provider with a pin-point corner which Patrick Dorgu volleyed onto the top of the net.The Portuguese then played a sweeping pass into the path of the Danish new boy who probably had more time and space than he realised – firing straight at Remiro.Another chance went begging as Joshua Zirkzee sent a low cross into the area that was backheeled by Hojlund but drifted just wide of the post.The £72million forward has not scored in his last 20 appearances before this but was contributing plenty to an improved United display.United probably felt they should have been ahead at the break – but within five minutes of the restart, they were.Artiz Elustondo body checked Dorgu as the January signing tried to get past him and it was enough for the French ref to point to the spot.The Sociedad defender pleaded his innocence and to be fair it was hard to see how he could have got out of the way – but there was not enough evidence to overturn it.And once again Fernandes was the coolest man in the stadium as he slotted home from 12 yards once more.United were now on the front foot and the visitors made their task even more difficult when they went down to 10 men just after the hour.Jon Aramburu had only been on the pitch seven minutes – sent on as the bench were worried Zubeldia could earn a second yellow card.But he chopped down Dorgu as he looked to race clear on goal and was adjudged to be the last man – even though the Dane had a long way still to run.Zirkzee nodded a good chance wide and there were still some nerves with United holding such a slender advantage.But all those were blown away as Garnacho was unselfish for once – slipping a clever pass through to Fernandes who fired a low shot past Remiro.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for another in stoppage time as Hojlund pulled a cross back for Fernandes’ countryman Diogo Dalot to lash home.That completed a great night for Amorim and his Portuguese men of four. 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    Paul Scholes ‘jumps out of his skin’ live on TNT Sports as pundit is shocked by Man Utd’s pre-game antics

    PAUL SCHOLES “jumped out of his skin” at Old Trafford as Manchester United prepared for a huge European night.And it wasn’t the unpredictable horrors offered up by United this season that made him do it!Paul Scholes and Karen Carney were both caught outBruno Fernandes hit a penalty leveller in an absorbing second legCredit: APThe Red Devils were readying for Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 second leg.And at 1-1 from the first leg in Spain, it was understandable if TNT Sports pundit Scholes was a little nervous.United were looking for more than a spark of intervention.But it was something even more dazzling that caught out the former England midfielder and colleague Karen Carney. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited suddenly let off fireworks around the famous old ground.And TNT’s commentator told viewers the pair of pundits leapt with surprise when the pyrotechnics fizzed into action.Armchair observers weren’t able to see the reaction of Scholes and Carney for themselves – as the cameras weren’t on the twitchy duo at the time.It came after Scholes backed plans for a £2billion new home unveiled by United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “I was quite excited to hear it. It’s about time United caught up.”I think the time is right to move to a better, bigger, brilliant stadium.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Meanwhile, on the pitch It was the Red Devils who were soon looking jumpy – as Mikel Oyarzabal hit a 10th-minute penalty opener for Sociedad.That put the visitors 2-1 in front on aggregate, with a quarter-final place at stake.But United soon rocketed back into it, thanks to a spot-kick of their own from Bruno Fernandes. More