Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as United pulled away in the closing stages after La Real were reduced to 10 men.

The heavily-linked Arsenal target was one of the better-known Sociedad players on the field, and, barring a handball scare in his own area, he was solid enough in the centre of the park to keep things ticking and generally halt United from attacking down the spine of the pitch.

United are looking to salvage something from a hugely disappointing season as they battle for the FA Cup and Europa League