Ruben Amorim made two “extremely bold decisions” vs Real Sociedad, they both paid off massively

Ruben Amorim saw two “extremely bold decisions” pay off in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie.

United endured a shaky start as Sociedad took an early lead through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty 10 minutes into the game.

However, moments later, Rasmus Højlund won a spot-kick at the other end, which Bruno Fernandes confidently converted.

In the second half, Fernandes netted another penalty after Patrick Dorgu was fouled before completing his hat-trick with a superb strike.

Diogo Dalot added a late goal to round off a dominant display from Ruben Amorim’s side as they move into the quarter-finals of the European competition.

Amorim’s two extremely bold decisions vs Sociedad

Before the game at Old Trafford, there were a couple of surprises when Amorim’s starting lineup for the clash was released.

Ayden Heaven was chosen over Victor Lindelöf for the left centre-back role, coming in for his full professional debut.

Casemiro also started the game despite Manuel Ugarte being available for selection after returning from injury earlier this week.

Both of those calls were “extremely bold” but paid off massively, with Casemiro and Heaven being two of the standout performers on the night.

Heaven looked like he was playing at his testimonial after 15 years at the top level. The 18-year-old is calmness personified.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian midfielder Casemiro produced a wonderful pass which led to United’s first penalty goal and played well all game. He left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Heaven performance should inspire Amorim to use more youth

Heaven’s performance might have been the most impressive on the pitch. Coming in and making your first start ever in professional football in the team’s most important game of the season should not look that easy.

Whether it was winning fouls under pressure, beating the press or making a big challenge. Heaven ticked all of the boxes on Thursday night.

Read More: Bruno Fernandes breaks Europa League record after Manchester United hat-trick vs Real Sociedad

That performance should give Amorim inspiration. Despite Heaven being a January signing from Arsenal, he is a very similar case to a lot of the Academy players at Old Trafford.

Some of them deserve a chance to prove themselves. It would have been easy to put Lindelöf into that game but Heaven proved he was more than ready for the challenge.

Perhaps there are others who can take those opportunities if they come in the last few months of the season.

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