And that brings us to Old Trafford where Manchester United's dismal season hinges on today's second leg against Real Sociedad. The two teams drew 1-1 in last week's first leg in San Sebastian after goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Manchester United can give Ruben Amorim a notable victory by advancing in the Europa League with a home win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.

As ever, when United needed inspiration, the captain had obliged. Fernandes set the tone, the positivity of his passing rubbing off. The Portuguese theme was continued when Diogo Dalot delivered United’s fourth after fine work by Dorgu and Hojlund. For only the second time under Amorim, United scored four.

Manchester United's quest to find a silver lining in their otherwise unpleasant season continues on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, when they face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their round of 16 tie.

Manchester United will tonight meet Real Sociedad for a place in the Europa League quarter-finals. The Red Devils drew 1-1 with the Spanish side last week to leave the tie finely poised heading into the showdown at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes was inspiration as Manchester United thrashed Real Sociedad to reach the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals.