Manchester United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, to reach the competition’s last eight.
Sociedad took the lead just 10 minutes in through Mikel Oyarzabal, who converted from the penalty spot after Matthijs de Ligt was hasrshly judged to have brought him down.
However, the visitors’ advantage didn’t last for long as Bruno Fernandes restored parity, also from the spot-kick, just six minutes later. The two sides went down the tunnel with the game delicately balanced at 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate.
United burst into the second half with relentless intensity and quickly seized control. Patrick Dorgu won the Red Devils’ second penalty of the night, and Fernandes confidently stepped up once again, sending Alex Remiro the wrong way for the second time.
The skipper completed his hat-trick with three minutes of regular time left on the clock as he fired into the bottom corner. Diogo Dalot completed the rout, finishing emphatically from 15 yards after being picked out by Rasmus Hojlund.
While he didn’t get on the score sheet, Dorgu wreaked havoc all game and was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch.
The Dane completed 100% of his take-ons, won 100% of his tackles and came out on top in all the aerial duels he contested.
Dorgu also won 75% of the ground duels he delved into. He constantly bombed forward to help out in the attack and registered nine touches in Sociedad’s box.
Another thing that stuck out from Dorgu’s game was how well he used his body and the incredible physicality he demonstrated. He drew an amazing six fouls.
The 20-year-old seemed determined to find the back of the net, firing five shots. He also made two clearances and of course, won United’s second penalty.
Patrick Dorgu’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:
100% successful take-ons
100% tackles won
100% aerial duels won
75% ground duels won
9 touches in the opposition’s box
6 fouls won
5 shots
2 clearances
1 penalty wonBrings balance and quality. ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/gdcfShvuff
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 13, 2025
It was a top performance from the former Bologna man, who seems unfazed in a United shirt.
Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Sunday when they go away to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
