Tickling Penalties and Player Antics…
Manchester United waltzed into the Europa League quarters with a 4-1 comedy special over Real Sociedad on Thursday. The referee decided that penalties were his love language, starting with an early gift to Sociedad after a Matthijs de Ligt/Oyarzabal tango. Oyarzabal, not one to refuse gifts, scored with ease. United grabbed the “everyone gets a penalty” memo, with Bruno Fernandes equalizing after Rasmus Hojlund got nudged.
Minutes into the second half, the penalty producers went wild with another red carpet rollout — this time for Patrick Dorgu, leading to another Bruno special from 12 yards. Jon Aramburu wanted a starring role too and got dramatically sent off for his audacity on Dorgu. Fernandes, who was possibly glued to the penalty spot, gifted himself a hat-trick before Diogo Dalot wrapped it up with a late contribution, just for fun.
Player ratings at Old Trafford were the perfect plot twists: Andre Onana showcased his “almost a penalty magnet” skills. Ayden Heaven, on his third appearance, defended like he had a cape. Cast your eyes on Diogo Dalot getting Casemiro’s death stare for a “why did you do that” moment. Fernandes, the penalty pocket-picker, scored all night, while the rest of the team gave rollercoaster performances. Classic Old Trafford!
