Europa League

BRUNO FERNANDES was handed a gift as he opened the scoring for Manchester United in the 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad.
Three Sociedad players bumped into each other and the United star took full advantage of the comedy moment.

It’s him again!Bruno Fernandes bags his 20th goal of the season 🔥A lovely ball over the top from Marcus Rashford caused all sorts of problems at the back for Sociedad… pic.twitter.com/JdwvoOhJUA
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2021

Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring after taking advantage of a defensive clangerCredit: Reuters

It was a calamitous opening goal for the Spaniards to concede as they failed to deal with a ball over the top from Marcus Rashford.
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro collided with two defenders and allowed Fernandes to fire into the empty net for his 20th goal of the season.
The Portuguese was not finished there though and fired home his second of the match from just inside the area in the second half.
United were in absolute cruise control and goals from Rashford and Dan James completed the rout in Turin.

It was the perfect start to United’s resumption in the Europa League with Fernandes yet again spearheading their attack.
Fernandes star has been a revelation since moving to Old Trafford just over a year ago.
It has been another superb campaign for Fernandes with 14 of his 21 goals this season coming in the Premier League.
He produced a moment of magic recently after scoring a brilliant chip in the draw against Everton.

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“My target is trophies. Winning trophies is more important than scoring goals.”Bruno Fernandes reflects on a good night for Man Utd as they head into their second leg with Real Sociedad with four away goals.🎙 @patrickendrick pic.twitter.com/KsvZfFb38o
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2021

Fernandes has also provided ten assists in the league as United close in on a top-four finish.
Speaking after the game, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes was full of praise.
He told BT Sport: “He’s been sensational from the very day he signed. He makes the team play football.

“Every time you watch him play, every single game he plays, he affects the game, which someone in that position should be doing.
“The quality he’s got you fee like he’s going to score goals, you feel like he’s going to make goals. He’s been a truly, truly terrific signing.”
The Red Devils’ playmaker has set his sights on helping United win a trophy this season and the side look certain to progress in Europe.
He said: “My target is the trophies and winning trophies will be more important than scoring goals.”

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WELL, there appears to be life in the old Dragon yet.
Having had his career written off by his manager and even his own agent in recent days, Gareth Bale showed reports of his demise may have been greatly exaggerated as he helped fire Tottenham a step closer to Europa League glory.

Son and Gareth Bale celebrate Spurs’ opener against WolfsbergerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Goalscorers Bale – who also got an assist – and Lucas Moura celebrate togetherCredit: AFP or licensors

The wailing Welsh wonder proved his critics – and some of those closer to him – wrong as he scored one and set up another in the first half to give Spurs a massive advantage in this last 32 clash.
Bale let his feet do the talking after a week or two which had seen many of his associates shooting from the lip.
Manager Jose Mourinho appeared to question his Real Madrid loanee’s attitude when he publicly criticised a social media post about the training session before the FA Cup defeat at Everton last week.
Then when asked why his client had not much of an impression since his return to Tottenham in September, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett first insisted it was a question for Mourinho before claiming mitigation with the line: “He’s towards the end of his career.”

But there is obviously nothing like your own agent putting you down to inspire you, as Bale responded with a performance which offered glimpses of yore.
It was not like how he used to be, but then it was never going to be.
But when he was subbed by Erik Lamela in the 64th minute, he was at least able to walk off with pride and the knowledge he had produced a display at least in the ballpark of the Bale of old.
Likewise, Dele Alli who was also handed a rare start and a chance to prove himself to Mourinho.

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Moussa Sissoko was booked for giving away a penaltyCredit: Reuters

Within 90 seconds the fallen England midfielder put the boot in – just about legally – on the hosts’ keeper Alexander Kofler.
Dele was then fuming when having won the ball in the centre circle and laid it off to Son Heung-min, he felt his South Korean pal should have passed to him instead of curling a 20 yard shot wide of the post.
After a very cagey opening, we were beginning to wonder if agent Barnett was right about his man.
But having mustered a few meagre touches, Bale played a key role in Tottenham’s 13th minute opener when he swept Matt Doherty’s wall-pass inside for Son to stoop to head home the opener. 
Moments later Lucas Moura reminded us was playing by driving a 20-yard shot wide. And Dele beautifully nutmegged defender Dominik Buamgartner in the box before seeing his shot saved by keeper Kofler.

Spurs celebrate taking control of the knockout tieCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Carlos Vinicius scored Spurs’ fourth to ensure they take a healthy advantage into the second legCredit: AP:Associated Press
But Bale reminded us what he is all about in the 29th minute when he ran onto Doherty’s ball into the right channel and mugged his marker by checking inside with a right back heel before slotting home with his left to make it 2-0.
It was his sixth goal of his current Spurs stint – but not his last if this is anything to go by.
Keeper and captain Hugo Lloris, another Tottenham star under fire, showed his worth by tipping Dario Vizinger’s header onto the bar and away – before Lucas Moura added the visitors’ third with a fine run and shot in the 34th minute.
But there was little Lloris could do to keep out Wolfsberger skipper Michael Liendl’s 55th minute penalty after Moussa Sissoko had hacked Christopher Wernitznig in the box.
But Carlos Vinicius cemented a good evening for Spurs by touching home in the 88th minute after fellow sub Erik Lamela had nudged on Alli’s cross.
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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.

It’s him again!Bruno Fernandes bags his 20th goal of the season 🔥A lovely ball over the top from Marcus Rashford caused all sorts of problems at the back for Sociedad… pic.twitter.com/JdwvoOhJUA
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2021

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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WHERE would Manchester United be without Bruno Fernandes.
He was the goalscoring hero again with two in an impressive win over Real Sociedad.

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Man Utd beat Real Sociedad 4-0Credit: Reuters

The Red Devils made light work of their opponents in the first leg of the Europa League last-32 clashCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He remains the talisman of this team, the reason there is still hope this season can end in glory.
There is no underestimating his effect on United since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon just over a year ago.
There are simply two parts to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign BF and AF – before Fernandes and after he arrived.
Before the club were listing dangerously in their own sea of mediocrity.

But Fernandes took control and steered them on a new course.
It still hasn’t been good enough for some and there has been a recent blip in the league, but the trajectory continues to be up since his arrival.
His brace in Turin means he has now been involved in 52 goals since joining the club just over, of those he has scored 33 and assisted 19.
Marcus Rashford scored the third and Daniel James a late fourth in a superb Europa League performance from United.

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Marcus Rashford also netted for United in TurinCredit: Reuters

Daniel James made it a rout with a late finishCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Rashford had missed two golden chances in the first half but he did not allow his head to drop, he never does, he never stops charging at opponents and he can create too.
He provided the assist for the opener, helped to set up then second and then in the 65th minute, in another devastating United counter attack he ran onto a through ball from Fred to slot home the third.
That’s 17 for the season for him, seven of them coming in Europe.
In an open game, United thrive and this was very open with three scoring chances in less than the first three minutes.
Two went to La Real with Eric Bailly at fault for both as Adnan Januzaj fired over and Dean Henderson denied Alexander Isak at the near post.

Fernandes opened the scoring in the 27th minuteCredit: Getty Images – Getty

United were 2-0 up through Fernandes in the 57th minuteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
At the other end Rashford was sent free by Fred one-on-one and goalkeeper Alex Remiro denied him with an outstretched leg.
Then in the 19th minute, on the break Fernandes teed him up unmarked with just the goalkeeper to beat but he could not finish again with the goalkeeper saving a shot that was too near Remiro.
He might not be an instinctive goalscorer but from that wide position he is a real threat to opponents and has an eye for a deadly pass.
It was the 27th minute when he clipped one through for Fernandes.
Brilliant Bruno left it for two La Real outfield players and their goalkeeper to end up in a heap as they all went for it and then put the loose ball home.
The celebrations for his second on 57 minutes were delayed due to the VAR but what a goal it was.

Rashford made it 3-0 to the visitors in the 64th minuteCredit: Getty Images – Getty

James was rewarded for a fine performance with a 90th minute strikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Rashford involved again with a ball from the left wing. Fernandes cleverly dummied, letting the ball roll through his run for Daniel James who nipped it back into the £55million man’s path.
The finish was priceless as the ball was just behind him but he managed to dig the shot out first time into the far bottom corner.
The linesman flagged, but Fernandes knew the timing of his run and James touch had been perfect and the VAR agreed.
Rashford got the goal his performance deserved and James having had one ruled out for offside stormed into the box and finish into the far corner a minute from time for number four.
When this draw was made La Real were top of La Liga, they are still in fifth. Solskjaer described it as the toughest draw they could have had.
The Spanish side form may have slipped, but this was still some win from a United team in need of a boost after dropping nine points in their last five league games.

United put in a good showing across all areas of the pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

United look nailed on for a place in the last 16Credit: Getty Images – Getty
That has allowed Manchester City to gallop ten points clear leaving the FA Cup and Europa League their only chances of silverware.
They are in the last eight in the former and now all but through to the last 16 in the latter.
United’s season is still very much alive.
When Fernandes is on the pitch anything is possible.
Having reached four semi-finals under Solskjaer only to lose them all this past year, they desperately need to make that next step.
On night’s like this you really believe they can.

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LUCAS MOURA scored a sensational solo goal for Spurs in the Europa League to cap off a near-perfect performance by Jose Mourinho’s side.
Moura scored the third in just 35 minutes as Spurs eased to a 4-1 first leg win against Austrian minnows Wolfsberger AC – with Gareth Bale grabbing a goal and an assist.

Moura’s goal came after Son opened the scoring and Gareth Bale produced a moment of magic to double the lead.
The Brazilian forward jinked his way past numerous defenders before rifling the ball in at the near post.
Earlier, Bale had reminded Tottenham fans and Mourinho of his supreme talent.
The Welsh wizard used his pace to burst down the right wing before a brilliant chop inside and a rifled strike beyond the keeper.

In an impressive first 45 minutes from Bale, he also set up Son Heung-min for Tottenham’s opening goal.
Bale’s goal comes after a disappointing return to Tottenham which has seen him frequently left on the sidelines by Mourinho.
The 31-year-old has netted just once in seven Premier League games so far this season.
Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett recently said in an interview with Goal: “He still loves Madrid.

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Gareth Bale got a goal and an assist as Spurs beat Wolfsberger AC 4-1Credit: AFP or licensors
“He hasn’t got any problems with the club, it’s a wonderful club.
“It wouldn’t be a problem [for him to return]. They just have to decide if they need him back, if he can play for Madrid and all these things.
“I guess you have to ask Mr. Zidane if he wants him, I don’t think so.”
Michael Liendl briefly gave the Austrians a glimmer of hope from the penalty spot after Moussa Sissoko’s clumsy foul.
But Carlos Vinicius scored his fourth goal in the competition late on to seal the win.

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