Manchester United need another big Bruno Fernandes performance v Real Sociedad

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Manchester United visit Real Sociedad for a decisive Europa League fixture which is one of the biggest tests of Erik ten Hag’s reign so far.

Even the big Premier League games this season have felt fairly low stakes. Lose, and there is always the chance to grab three points the next week.

This match against Sociedad has consequences. Manchester United must win by two clear goals to secure top spot in the group.

Finishing second would mean United must play an extra two-legged knockout round early next year against a Champions League drop-down team, which could even be Barcelona or Juventus.

Thursday’s match will be a tough one against a strong Real Sociedad side who were an awkward opponent at Old Trafford, winning via a wrongly awarded penalty kick. At the other end, United were unable to break them down.

United need another big Bruno Fernandes performance

United will want to give everything to win, given the stakes at play. But the players may be holding something back, knowing there is a Premier League away fixture against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Sunday.

The one exception is Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended for the Villa game after picking up his fifth booking of the season against West Ham.

Fernandes will start against Sociedad and he can play ‘flat out’, and go ‘all in’, holding nothing back, knowing he will get a full rest at the weekend.

He will likely get a rest against Villa in the Carabao Cup the following week too, if United rotate.

Fernandes was the key to United’s victory in the 4-0 victory over Sociedad in 2021. While it must be noted this was played in Italy behind closed doors, he was the best player on the pitch.

The Portuguese star scored United’s two opening goals, and created three chances, helping the Red Devils to win the two-legged tie with a game to spare.

Fernandes has had a mixed season so far in 2022/23. He has played well, without the same goalscoring impact he is truly capable of.

He has scored just twice this season, the same number he managed in the first 57 minutes against Real Sociedad 18 months ago.

His outstanding performance in United’s midweek win over Tottenham a fortnight ago demonstrated what he is capable of at his best.

United need another one of these displays from him this Thursday. And knowing that he will get the weekend off due to his suspension, Fernandes will be giving everything to try and make it happen.