Manchester United recorded a resounding win that was more emphatic than the 4-0 scoreline suggested.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice and Marcus Rashford added another before Dan James’ late goal to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team a commanding advantage to take into the second leg.
There was a frenetic pace at the start of the game. Seventy seconds in, Bailly was caught dallying; Januzaj curled a great effort just wide.
United countered and Rashford had an effort saved; there was still less than two minutes on the clock as the Spaniards had another attack and Isak tested Henderson.
Despite this uncertain start, it was United who bossed the first half. If Rashford felt he should’ve done better with that early chance then he would have definitely expected to score in 19th minute when he had the entire goal to aim at but it went straight at the goalkeeper. From the rebound, Fernandes’ header was cleared off the line.
Eight minutes later and Rashford made amends with a fine through ball; Fernandes anticipated the bounce of the ball in the manner of someone who was watching a replay, so sure was he of the ball’s movement. The entire Sociedad defence collided, the ball dropped for Fernandes, and he was able to put the ball into the net.
Just over ten minutes into the second half, James and Fernandes combined for the latter to strike a gorgeous shot in; after a VAR check for offside, the goal was given.
Soon after, Henderson released a ball quickly to Fred, whose through ball was smart – Rashford was not to be denied this time, and he finished coolly.
With such a lead, Solskjaer rung the changes, with Amad getting a run out; and there was time for another goal, but it was James who got it, racing clear on the right and finished through the goalkeeper’s legs.
It was a tremendous performance in Italy, and will present an opportunity for more players to be rested in next week’s return.
Ratings
Henderson 7
Wan Bissaka 7
Bailly 7
Maguire 7
Telles 7
McTominay 6
Fred 7
Greenwood 7
Fernandes 8
James 8
Rashford 8
Subs
Mata
Amad
Martial
Matic
Bruno Fernandes 20th goal this season (0-1) #mufc pic.twitter.com/npRO7BbaOf
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) February 18, 2021
Bruno’s second goal (0-2) #mufc pic.twitter.com/UdkjBAPmcH
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) February 18, 2021
Rashford goal (0-3) #mufc pic.twitter.com/uekUYuXs3D
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) February 18, 2021
James goal (0-4) #mufc pic.twitter.com/1Jxcr64GT2
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) February 18, 2021
