Fernandes’ Masterclass Sends United Past Sociedad in Europa League

Bruno Fernandes fired Manchester United into the Europa League quarter-finals with a stunning hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win.

Sociedad struck first through Mikel Oyarzabal’s early penalty, but Fernandes responded in style, converting two spot-kicks of his own before smashing home his 15th goal of the season. Diogo Dalot added a late fourth as United booked a last-eight clash with Lyon.

Roared on by a full house at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim’s side put their domestic struggles aside to keep their European hopes alive, despite ongoing fan protests against the Glazer ownership.

Sociedad, also desperate for European success amid a frustrating La Liga campaign, took an early lead when Oyarzabal was fouled by Matthijs de Ligt and coolly slotted home the resulting penalty.

However, United hit back within minutes. Rasmus Hojlund’s lengthy goal drought continued, but he won a penalty after being clipped while stretching for Fernandes’ pass across goal. The Portuguese midfielder made no mistake from the spot to level the score.

The Red Devils squandered a chance to go ahead before halftime, with Hojlund flicking Joshua Zirkzee’s inviting cross wide. But just five minutes into the second half, another penalty opportunity arrived. Zirkzee’s shot was parried, and Patrick Dorgu, quickest to the rebound, was fouled by Aritz Elustondo.

Once again, Fernandes stepped up with ice-cold composure, putting United in control. Sociedad’s task became even harder when Jon Aramburu saw red for bringing down the lively Dorgu on the break.

Despite United’s dominance, Amorim was left frustrated by another goalless night for strikers Zirkzee and Hojlund. The Dutch forward was twice denied by Alex Remiro, missing a free header with the goal at his mercy.

Fernandes, however, showcased the cutting edge his strikers lacked, hammering home Alejandro Garnacho’s pass for his hat-trick. Hojlund at least contributed late on, crossing for Dalot to smash home the final goal and cap off one of Amorim’s best nights in charge.