Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauds 'clinical' Manchester United following Europa League win over Real Sociedad - in pictures

Bruno Fernandes scores twice in 4-0 round of 32 first leg win

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  Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bumps fists with Fred after the win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 32 first leg on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes scores the opening goal against Real Sociedad at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. EPA

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  Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Marcus Rashford after scoring against Real Sociedad. EPA

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  Manchester United's Marcus Rashford scores their third goal. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Daniel James celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Juan Mata. Reuters

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  Manchester United's Daniel James scores their fourth goal. Reuters

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  Real Sociedad's Alex Remiro, left, challenges Manchester's Marcus Rashford. AP

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted by Manchester United's performance in the Europa League thrashing of Real Sociedad following a "difficult spell" in recent weeks.

After December's Champions League group-stage exit, the Red Devils put together an impressive domestic run that saw them reach the top of the Premier League last month.

But things have gone awry recently, with Sunday's disappointing 1-1 draw at embattled West Brom meaning they had just two victories to show from six matches in all competitions.

Solskjaer's side got back on track in Thursday's Europa League last-32 clash against Sociedad, with Bruno Fernandes' brace complemented by Marcus Rashford and Daniel James in a 4-0 in their round of 32 first leg win in Turin.

"We played well," the United boss said. "We were more clinical in front of goal, of course, even though we had a few chances before we got the first one.

"But definitely when we got the second, the game opened up and we found ourselves in loads of space."

Asked if he will make wholesale changes in the return leg at Old Trafford given progress to the last 16 is all but assured and they face a frantic fixture schedule, Solskjaer said: "No, we've got to take one game at a time.

"Of course we've got Newcastle first but we'll put a strong team out because it's about creating momentum.

"We've been through a difficult spell and I found tonight, or I thought we found ourselves a little bit tonight.

"I thought the boys had got that little bit of zip in their legs again so it was important to be able to take some players off.

"We still rotated the team. We'll rotate, definitely, but, no, we're not going to take the game lightly."