In brief
Manchester United defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 to advance to the Europa League quarterfinals.
The victory was guaranteed by a late goal from Diogo Dalot and a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes.
The night’s unsung hero was a teenage Manchester United player who gave an amazing performance.
On Thursday night at Old Trafford, there were some additional encouraging signs as Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 to advance to the Europa League quarterfinals. After falling behind early to another penalty from Mikel Oyazarbal, the Red Devils showed their true potential under their new boss as they entered their home leg fresh off a 1-1 draw in San Sebastian.
Following a brilliant move, Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty kick to tie the score for the home team. The United captain then repeated the feat early in the second half and added a third goal in the final five minutes before a goal from fellow countryman Diogo Dalot guaranteed them a spot in the round of eight.
Rasmus Hojlund was reinstated in the starting lineup and appeared more dangerous than he has in recent weeks, one of the lineup changes from the draw with Arsenal last weekend. The inclusion of adolescent Ayden Heaven from the start for the first time in his Manchester United career, however, was an even more unexpected addition to the starting lineup. The 18-year-old has only made sporadic appearances since moving from Arsenal in January, but on a night when the North West was under pressure, he seemed at home.
Heaven Impresses on First Start For Manchester United
The youngster was put under pressure early and weathered some early tests
With Heaven lining up on that side of the back three and Patrick Dorgu charging forward at left-wing back, Amorim decided on a youthful left-hand defender. The Japanese speedster Takefusa Kubo, who has previously drawn interest from Liverpool, faced off against the former Arsenal star in the first five minutes.
Heaven and the rest of his United teammates calmed down after falling behind, despite some tense early moments when it appeared the cunning winger could be a menace all night. The young player displayed a performance that was mature beyond his years. Even the more seasoned Victor Lindelof, who was benched, might have found it difficult to cover ground with his speed, but the England under-19 international won all four of his duels.
The 18-year-old’s poise with the ball at his feet, however, was arguably even more remarkable. The ball was whipped into Heaven’s feet on multiple occasions when he was under pressure, but he once again displayed composure to make the right choices and took advantage of his left foot to his advantage by finding angles that put his team on the attack and finishing 88% of his passes.
As Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News stated on social media, Heaven’s efforts cannot be disregarded, even though Fernandes’ treble, which finally led to United’s victory, would undoubtedly make headlines:
“#mufc is good after losing 1-0. Despite missing a fantastic opportunity, Hojlund played his best game in months, and Heaven was outstanding once more.
#mufc good after they went 1-0 down. Heaven has been excellent again and Hojlund has had his best game in months, despite missing a great chance.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) March 13, 2025
For a young player who has never started a game in his senior career until tonight, it is high praise. However, the United supporters have expressed their opinions about what might turn out to be a great deal for the Red Devils after he made an appearance against his old team and impressed against Fulham in the FA Cup.
Manchester United Fans Praise Heaven For ‘Terrific’ Performance
Fans believe the Red Devils have got a steal for the price they paid
Fans praised the young defender on social media as the events at the Theatre of Dreams went on. “We signed Ayden Heaven for £1.5M,” exclaimed one fan. He’s already worth over £10 million. A second had similar thoughts, saying: “Everton wanted us to pay them 70 million for Branthwaite, while Ayden Heaven cost £1 million of the king’s finest.” “Great recruitment.”
“I know what my eyes are watching, this is a serious talent,” a third said, while a fourth commented, “Ayden Heaven – terrific.” “Arsenal fans tried to gaslight people into thinking that Ayden Heaven wasn’t good because he left them.” Amorim demonstrated incredible trust, which was already repaid in the first half. There will be more of that later. It appears so calm.
Ayden Heaven – terrific. Amazing trust shown by Amorim and repaid already in that first half. More of that to come. Looks so composed.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) March 13, 2025
Ayden Heaven cost £1m of the kings finest meanwhile Everton wanted us to pay them 70m for Branthwaite
— Levi Ackermann (@Emanxamilius_) March 13, 2025
