Journo hails ‘excellent’ quartet as proof United players are ‘starting to master Amorim’s system’

Manchester United oversaw one of their most convincing and emphatic wins of Ruben Amorim’s tenure last night against Real Sociedad.

In doing so, the Red Devils have punched their ticket to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they’ll face Olympique Lyonnais following their 7-1 thrashing of FCSB.

United’s Portuguese duo secured the victory thanks to a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick and a sublime finish from Diogo Dalot. Yet, a handful of Reds oversaw what could well be their most impressive performances of the season. 

“A dream of a night for United. Possibly their best performance under Amorim, given the significance of the game. Glimpses that the players are starting to master his system. Fernandes, Casemiro, [Joshua] Zirkzee and [Ayden] Heaven [were all] excellent,” said Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst on X/Twitter.

Fernandes steals the show yet again in M16 

Fernandes has been truly unstoppable for United this season. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Zirkzee is one player who’s soared up in fans’ estimations in recent weeks – even without finding the back of the net. His play on the ball is just so easy on the eye and slick, and it makes him a nightmare for defenders who have trouble guessing his next move.

Casemiro has been restored to the squad after falling out of favour early on under Amorim. Injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte opened the door for the Brazilian veteran to return to the teamsheet, and he hasn’t really put a foot wrong since.

As for Heaven, he is proving to be an incredible piece of business from INEOS. It’s important to not jump the gun on young signings and heap more pressure and expectations on their shoulders than they’re already navigating, but the 18-year-old has looked mature beyond his years in his three first-team appearances thus far.

Fernandes, meanwhile, continues fulfilling the role of Amorim’s heroic talisman.