Paul Scholes heaps praise on unsung Manchester United star who was “really good” vs Real Sociedad

Paul Scholes has heaped praise on one moment from a Manchester United player who he thought was positive as Rúben Amoirm’s men defeated Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.

Manchester United powered into the Europa League quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, driven by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick and a late goal from Diogo Dalot.

Sociedad struck first at Old Trafford, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting an early penalty, but United quickly responded as Fernandes leveled from the spot after Rasmus Højlund was fouled.

Fernandes netted another penalty early in the second half after Patrick Dorgu was brought down, and Sociedad’s task grew harder when Jon Aramburu saw red for a reckless challenge on Dorgu.

United dominated from there, with Fernandes completing his hat-trick before Dalot sealed the win in stoppage time. Rúben Amorim’s side will now face Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-finals.

Scholes heaps praise on Garnacho

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Paul Scholes went through the five goals scored at Old Trafford on the night.

With Fernandes involved in three, it was the hat-trick goal that the former United midfielder wanted to focus on as he handed praise to Alejandro Garnacho for his unsung display on Thursday evening.

Garnacho has started United’s last three fixtures as a right winger as opposed to his more natural left-hand side, and was great once again as he assisted Fernandes for United’s third.

Scholes took the time to explain that he felt Garnacho was getting into some “really good” positions against Sociedad on the right, and his decision to pass to Fernandes was the correct call to make.

“Garnacho gets in some really good positions in that final third and doesn’t always make the right decision, but that one tonight was probably one out of about four or five that he did get right,” Scholes said.

“A brilliant weight of pass and lovely finish from Bruno, as you expect.”

Garnacho must continue on the right

Garnacho has started on the right-hand side in each of Manchester United’s last three matches, and he must continue there. His performances in that role have been impressive, making a strong case for him to remain in the position.

Read More: 66 touches, 11 duels won – Manchester United star’s “very good” hidden skill was on full display vs Real Sociedad

Against Sociedad in the first leg last week, he provided the assist for Joshua Zirkzee, showcasing his ability to influence the game from the right. Then, against Arsenal last weekend, Amorim declared it was the best performance he had seen from the winger since taking charge in November.

With Amad likely sidelined for the rest of the season and Dorgu forming a strong partnership with Zirkzee on the left, Garnacho’s presence on the right has become even more valuable. He has adapted well to the role, offering pace, directness, and a consistent attacking threat.

His latest performance further reinforced his suitability for the position, and there is no reason to disrupt the balance he has helped create. For at least the remainder of the campaign, Garnacho must continue to start on the right.

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