Manchester United reigned victorious in their last-16 second leg. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
After a shaky start at Old Trafford this evening, Manchester United came from behind to eventually trounce 10-men Real Sociedad 4-1 on the night (5-2 on aggregate).
In doing so, the Red Devils have booked their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll meet Olympique Lyonnais following their two-legged 7-1 thrashing of FCSB.
Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick is certain to take the headlines on Friday morning, and he certainly deserves that to be the case. The skipper has been Ruben Amorim’s sole talisman since he succeeded Erik ten Hag last November, with continued stellar performances making fans even more grateful by the week that they have him pulling the strings and dictating the play at the heart of the side.
Yet, credit must also be given to those Reds on the pitch who influenced United’s emphatic comeback – one being Patrick Dorgu, who oversaw one of his most exhilarating displays since his winter switch from Lecce.
Classy Dorgu impresses once again
The full-back has oozed confidence ever since his United debut last month, while also seamlessly slotting into Amorim’s system without any need for a transition period.
Throughout his spirited 90-minute shift, Dorgu was 100 per cent successful in his take-ons, tackles and aerial duels. Additionally, he recorded a 75 per cent success rate in his attempted ground duels.
He had a remarkable nine touches in Sociedad’s penalty area, won six fouls, had five shots, made two clearances (as per StatmanDave) and won a penalty. What’s more, the Dane showed commendable sportsmanship when admitting to the referee that he hadn’t actually been fouled in the closing stages of the game after another spot-kick had been awarded.
Aside from his red card mishap in the win over Ipswich Town last month, it’s safe to say Dorgu has enjoyed a resoundingly impressive start to life in M16.
