Hell Or High Water: A Manchester United Story

[johnstone1987]

Enjoying this read my man! I've been a pretty new fan of Soccer as I've been following the Seattle Sounders in MLS for a good 5 plus years now. Still new to the game a bit but I like Manchester United. Rich history over there so this is a great read. Loving Ronaldo signing to help out. I'm really new on the whole Premier League as I don't really follow it like I do with other sports. I mostly follow Sounders in MLS.

Keep this up!

[RMJH4]

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a vintage European performance as Manchester United stormed past Real Sociedad with a dominant 5-1 victory in the Europa League. The Portuguese icon rolled back the years with a stunning hat-trick, inspiring Ruben Amorim’s side to a commanding win in Spain.

United took the lead inside four minutes as Ronaldo latched onto a Bruno Fernandes pass before calmly finishing past Álex Remiro. The 39-year-old doubled his tally in the 21st minute with a trademark header, silencing the home crowd. Sociedad responded before the break through Mikel Oyarzabal, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to pull one back in the 40th minute.

However, any hopes of a comeback were crushed in the second half. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box. United’s academy starlet Harry Amass then got in on the act with a brilliant solo goal in the 75th minute, before Bruno Fernandes rounded off the scoring five minutes later with a precise finish.

Starting Lineups

Manchester United (3-4-2-1):

(Manager: R. Amorim)

Spoiler

GK: Andre Onana
CB: Matthias De Ligt
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Victor Lindelof
LWB: Patrick Dorgu
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui
CM: Casemiro
CM: Manuel Ugarte
CAM: Bruno Fernandes (c)
CAM: Christian Eriksen
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Sociedad (4-3-3):

(Manager: I. Alguacil)

Spoiler

GK: Alex Remiro
RB: A. Elustondio
CB: I. Zubeldia
CB: N. Aguerd
LB: A. Munoz
CM: B. Mendez
CM: B. Turrientes
CM: L. Sucic
RW: T. Kubo
LW: A. Barrenetxea
ST: M. Oyarzabal

Match Stats

Possession: 51% - 49%
Shots: 10- 7
xG: 3.3 - 4.0
Corners: 1 - 2
Free Kicks: 3 - 0
Penalties: 0 - 0
Yellow Cards: 1 - 1
Red Cards: 0 - 0


Match Events

4' - ⚽ Goal: C. Ronaldo (MUN)
21' - ⚽ Goal: C. Ronaldo (MUN)
40' - ⚽ Goal: M. Oyarzabal (RSO)
56' - 🟨 Yellow Card: M. Oyarzabal (RSO)
59' - ⚽ Goal: C. Ronaldo (MUN)
75' - ⚽ Goal: H. Amass (MUN)
80' - ⚽ Goal: B. Fernandes (MUN)
82' - 🟨 Yellow Card: S. Kone (MUN)



Post-Match Analysis

Ronaldo’s European Brilliance
Even at 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove he is built for European nights. His hat-trick was a masterclass in movement, positioning, and clinical finishing—a performance that will no doubt send a statement to the rest of the competition.

Midfield Control: Casemiro & Ugarte Shine Again
United’s midfield duo of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte dictated play brilliantly. Casemiro provided his usual defensive solidity, while Ugarte’s work rate and ball recovery ensured Sociedad never found a rhythm in possession.

Amass Announces Himself
Harry Amass’ stunning goal highlighted why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents at Old Trafford. The 17-year-old’s confidence and composure were beyond his years, and Amorim’s trust in youth continues to pay dividends.

Sociedad Struggle to Contain United’s Attack
Despite enjoying a slight edge in possession, Sociedad struggled to cope with United’s intensity. Their defense was repeatedly exposed, and they managed just one clear-cut chance—a stark contrast to United’s ruthless finishing.

What’s Next?
With the tie all but wrapped up, Manchester United will head into the second leg at Old Trafford with a comfortable lead. Amorim will likely rotate his squad, but given the form they showed in Spain, they remain strong contenders for Europa League glory.

For Sociedad, a miracle is needed if they are to turn things around, but based on tonight’s evidence, United look to be in a different class.

[RMJH4]

Manchester United 3- 3 Arsenal | Premier League highlights

Late Martinelli Equaliser Denies United in Old Trafford Thriller.

A stoppage-time strike from Gabriel Martinelli salvaged a point for Arsenal in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, as Manchester United squandered a two-goal lead in a chaotic Premier League showdown.

Alejandro Garnacho starred for United with a stunning first-half brace, while Cristiano Ronaldo led the line with a goal and two assists. But Arsenal fought back, with Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino keeping them in the contest before Martinelli’s dramatic 90th-minute leveller ensured a share of the spoils. United exploded out of the blocks, with Cristiano Ronaldo opening the scoring in the 4th minute after latching onto a Bruno Fernandes pass and smashing home at the near post. But Arsenal hit back almost immediately, as Kai Havertz found space in the box and rifled a left-footed finish past André Onana in the 9th minute.

The response from Amorim’s side was electric. Alejandro Garnacho restored United’s lead just three minutes later, dancing past William Saliba before slotting coolly into the far corner. The Argentine winger doubled his tally in the 20th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to fire United into a 3-1 lead.

Arsenal’s first-half misery deepened in the 24th minute when Gabriel inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, attempting to clear a dangerous low cross from Patrick Dorgu. With United in control and the crowd in full voice, Arsenal looked shell-shocked.

Bruno Fernandes was booked on 31 minutes for a rash challenge on Declan Rice, but United continued to dominate, with their defensive trio of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, and Ayden Heaven keeping Arsenal at bay.

But the Gunners never go down without a fight. With 10 minutes left, Mikel Merino provided a glimmer of hope for Mikel Arteta’s men, pouncing on a loose ball to drill home and set up a tense finale.

As the clock ticked down, Arsenal threw everything forward, and in the 90th minute, Gabriel Martinelli produced a moment of brilliance, cutting inside before curling a stunning strike into the top corner to complete the comeback.

Team Lineups

Manchester United 3-4-2-1: Onana, Maguire, Lindelof, Heaven, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes (C), Dorgu, Zirkzee, Garnacho, Ronaldo.

Subs: Kone (Ugarte), Yoro (Maguire), Hojlund (Ronaldo).

Arsenal 4-3-3: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Merino, Havertz, Trossard

Subs: Martinelli (Trossard), Lewis Skelly (Calafiori)


Player of the match: Alejandro Garnacho 2 Goals.

Post-Match Analysis

United Let Another Lead Slip
This was the latest in a growing trend of United failing to hold onto a lead. Amorim’s side looked in complete control at 3-1 up, but a drop in intensity and Arsenal’s relentless pressing proved costly once again.

Garnacho Steals the Show, But Ronaldo Delivers Again
Alejandro Garnacho continues to show why he is one of United’s most exciting talents. His two goals were superbly taken, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact cannot be ignored—at 39, he is still delivering in the biggest games.

Arsenal's Fighting Spirit Shines Through
The Gunners showed remarkable resilience to fight back from two goals down. Arteta’s tactical tweaks in the second half gave them an edge, and Gabriel Martinelli’s equaliser was a moment of magic.

What’s Next?
Both sides will see this as a missed opportunity—United for letting the win slip away, and Arsenal for their sluggish first half. With the title race heating up, neither team can afford to drop points in the coming weeks.

Match Facts
44% - Possession - 56%
8 - Shots - 11
3.3 - xG - 3.4
2 - Corners - 2
3 - Free Kicks - 1
0 - Penalties - 0
1 - Yellow Cards -
0 - Red Cards - 0

Match Events
4' :⚽Goal : Conaldo (MUN)
9' :⚽Goal: K. Havertz (ARS)
12' :⚽Goal: A. Garnacho (MUN)
20' :⚽Goal: A. Garnacho (MUN)
24' :⚽Own Goal: J. Gabriel (ARS)
31':🟨 Yellow Card: B. Fernandes (MUN)
81' :⚽Goal: M. Merino (ARS)
90' :⚽Goal: G. Martinelli (ARS)

[RMJH4]

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 2-1 (7-2 on aggregate) victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, as goals from Rasmus Højlund and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a hard-fought win.

The result was overshadowed by a first-half injury to Højlund, but Ronaldo’s return to European action with a crucial second-half strike ensured United’s progress. Takefusa Kubo pulled one back for Sociedad, but it was too little, too late as the Spanish side bowed out of the competition. After a 5-1 win in the first leg, Ruben Amorim made several changes to his Manchester United lineup, handing starts to Altay Bayındır in goal, Sekou Koné in midfield, and teenager Chido Obi in an advanced role.

United started brightly, controlling possession and looking for openings against a Sociedad side that needed a fast start. Rasmus Højlund provided just that for the hosts, opening the scoring in the 32nd minute after latching onto a clever Christian Eriksen through ball and finishing clinically past Alex Remiro.

However, United’s momentum took a hit just before half-time when Højlund went down injured following a collision with Igor Zubeldia. The Danish striker was unable to continue and was replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo at the break.

Sociedad came out fighting in the second half, but it was United who struck next in the 71st minute, as Ronaldo rolled back the years with a vintage finish. Casemiro’s pinpoint pass found the Portuguese legend in space, and he made no mistake, drilling the ball past Remiro to make it 2-0.

Three minutes later, Sociedad hit back, with Takefusa Kubo curling a beautiful effort beyond Bayındır to give the visitors a lifeline. Despite late pressure from the Spanish side, United held firm to see out the win and advance to the last eight.

Starting Lineups


Real Sociedad (4-3-3):

(Manager: I. Alguacil)

Spoiler

GK: Alex Remiro
RB: A. Elustondio
CB: I. Zubeldia
CB: N. Aguerd
LB: A. Munoz
CM: B. Mendez
CM: M. Zubimendi
CM: L. Sucic
RW: T. Kubo
LW: A. Barrenetxea
ST: M. Oyarzabal

Manchester United (3-4-2-1):

(Manager: R. Amorim)

Spoiler

GK: Altay Bayindir
CB: Matthias De Ligt
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Jonny Evans
LWB: Harry Amass
RWB: Diogo Dalot
CM: Casemiro (C)
CM: Sekou Kone
CAM: Chido Obi
CAM: Christian Eriksen
ST: Rasmus Hojlund

Match Stats

Possession: 43% - 57%
Shots: 9- 13
xG: 4.3 - 2.9
Corners: 4 - 4
Free Kicks: 1 - 3
Penalties: 0 - 0
Yellow Cards: 1 - 1
Red Cards: 0 - 0


Match Events

32' - ⚽ Goal: R. Hojlund (MUN)
62' - 🟨 Yellow Card: S. Kone (MUN)
71' - ⚽ Goal: C. Ronaldo (MUN)
74' - ⚽ Goal: T. Kubo (RSO)
82' - 🟨 Yellow Card: M. Zubimendi (RSO)




Post-Match Analysis

United Get the Job Done, But Højlund’s Injury a Concern
United’s 7-2 aggregate win was never in doubt, but Rasmus Højlund’s injury before half-time will be a worry for Amorim. The young striker has been in fine form, and his potential absence could be a major blow in the coming weeks.

Ronaldo’s Experience Shines Through
At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo proved he still has a big role to play, coming off the bench and scoring the decisive goal. His presence was vital in seeing out the tie, showing Amorim that he remains a valuable option in key moments.

Sociedad Show Spirit But Fall Short
Imanol Alguacil’s men played with pride and energy, with Takefusa Kubo their standout performer, but they left themselves with too much to do after their first-leg collapse.

What’s Next?
🔴 Manchester United – The Reds now wait for their Europa League quarter-final draw while turning their attention back to the Premier League this weekend.

🔵 Real Sociedad – Sociedad shift focus to securing European football for next season as they return to LaLiga action this weekend.

[RMJH4]

Leicester City 0 - 6 Manchester United | Premier League highlights

Ronaldo Rolls Back the Years as United Run Riot.

Manchester United crushed Leicester City 6-0 at the King Power Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo rolling back the years to fire home a stunning hat-trick in a ruthless display from Ruben Amorim’s men. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho also got on the scoresheet as United overwhelmed a helpless Leicester side to stay in the hunt for Premier League glory.

Ronaldo Masterclass Tears Leicester Apart

It took just 12 minutes for United to break through, as Ronaldo latched onto a precise through ball from Bruno Fernandes before coolly slotting past Mads Hermansen. The Portuguese icon doubled his tally 12 minutes later, finishing off a slick team move as United dominated possession and dictated the tempo.

Fernandes turned from provider to scorer in the 32nd minute, curling home a delightful strike from the edge of the box, before Garnacho made it four just before the break with a superb finish.

Leicester had no response as United continued their dominance in the second half. Ronaldo sealed his hat-trick midway through the second half, hammering home from close range after Eriksen’s clever pass carved open the Foxes’ defense. Garnacho rounded off a humiliating night for the hosts with his second of the game in stoppage time, curling the ball into the far corner to complete the 6-0 rout.


Team Lineups

Manchester United 3-4-2-1: Bayindir, Yoro, DeLigt, Heaven, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes (C), Dorgu, Eriksen, Garnacho, Ronaldo.

Subs: Zirkzee (Eriksen), Amass (Yoro), Collyer (Ugarte).

Leicester City 3-4-2-1: Hermansen, Faes, Coady, Thomas, Justin, Ndidi, Winks, Kristiansen, Daka, El Khannouss, Vardy.

Subs: Skipp (Winks) Ayew (Daka), McAteer (El Khannouss)


Player of the match: Cristiano Ronaldo 3 Goals.

Post-Match Analysis

United Ruthless as Amorim’s Side Clicks Into Gear
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United looked every bit the title contenders, controlling 60% of possession and slicing through Leicester at will. Fernandes and Eriksen pulled the strings, while Garnacho’s energy and Ronaldo’s finishing made them unplayable.

Leicester’s Nightmare Evening
Ruud Van Nistlerooys’s side were completely outclassed, struggling to cope with United’s relentless pressing and quick passing. With just five shots all game and an xG of 0.7, the Foxes rarely threatened, leaving them with plenty of questions to answer ahead of their next match.

What’s Next?
�� Manchester United – Amorim’s side continue their race back into the top half of the table, with momentum on their side after a dominant display.

�� Leicester City – The Foxes must regroup quickly, as they look to bounce back from this humiliating defeat and get out of relegation trouble.

Match Facts
4% - Possession - 60%
5 - Shots - 11
0.7 - xG - 4.8
2 - Corners - 2
1 - Free Kicks - 5
0 - Penalties - 0
2 - Yellow Cards -
0 - Red Cards - 0

Match Events
12' :⚽Goal : C. Ronaldo (MUN)
24' :⚽Goal : C. Ronaldo (MUN)
31':�� Yellow Card: H. Winks (LEI)
32' :⚽Goal: B. Fernandes (MUN)
37':�� Yellow Card: W. Ndidi (LEI)
43' :⚽Goal: A. Garnacho (MUN)
24' :⚽Goal : C. Ronaldo (MUN)
90' :⚽Goal: A. Garnacho (MUN)

[RMJH4]

[RMJH4]

[RMJH4]

Manchester United Agree Deal for Festy Ebosele – Caoimhin Kelleher Next?

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Republic of Ireland international Festy Ebosele from Istanbul Başakşehir for a fee of €6.8 million (£5.8m). The pacey full-back will officially join on July 1st, becoming the first summer signing under Ruben Amorim as the club prepares for a major squad rebuild.

Ebosele Set for Old Trafford Move

Ebosele, 21, is known for his blistering speed, versatility, and attacking intent from right-back or right-wing-back, which fits perfectly into Amorim’s dynamic system. The former Derby County and Udinese defender impressed in Turkey, earning a move back to England after just a single season.

United’s right-back options have been under scrutiny, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui currently battling for the position. Ebosele will add depth and competition, and at just €6.8m, he represents a low-risk, high-upside signing. United number one target for the spot was Geovany Quenda, but he has just sealed a move to Chelsea, forcing United to move to target number 2.

Manchester United Eye Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher

United’s summer business is far from over, and reports suggest they are now targeting Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as they look to reshape their goalkeeping department.

Kelleher, 25, has been Liverpool’s second-choice keeper for years, excelling in cup competitions and impressing whenever deputizing for Alisson Becker. With United looking for competition for Andre Onana, Kelleher is seen as an ideal signing.

Bayindir Swap Deal on the Table?

Interestingly, Altay Bayindir could be included in the deal. The Turkish goalkeeper has struggled for game time since arriving at United last summer and is open to a move in search of regular football. United could offer Bayindir as part of a swap deal to reduce Kelleher’s price, although convincing Liverpool to do business with their fierce rivals may be a major obstacle.


Daily Mail Verdict: Smart Business from United?
✅ Ebosele is a bargain buy – His speed and attacking ability will be useful under Amorim.
✅ Kelleher would challenge for No 1 Shirt – If United can persuade Liverpool to sell, it would be a major coup.
❌ Liverpool rivalry could block deal – The Reds may refuse to strengthen a direct rival.

With United moving quickly in the market, it looks like an exciting summer ahead for fans at Old Trafford! Will Kelleher be next? Let us know what you think! 💬⬇