Fernandes’ Hat-Trick Propels Manchester United Past Real Sociedad and into Final Eight

Bruno Fernandes netted his second hat-trick for Manchester United, leading the Red Devils to a vital 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, allowing them to advance to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a 5-2 aggregate win and preserving their unbeaten run in European competition this season.

Following a week filled with protests and the unveiling of a gleaming new stadium, United were eager for a morale boost on the pitch, and head coach Ruben Amorim understood the significance of progressing in a tournament that represents their only remaining shot at success in a challenging campaign.

The storied club, however, had a rocky start when Matthijs de Ligt fouled Mikel Oyarzabal in the penalty area, with the Spaniard converting the penalty just as he did in the first leg.

Any hopes of a United resurgence were likely to depend on their influential skipper, Fernandes.

After a brilliant free-kick goal against Arsenal on Sunday, the Portuguese midfielder showcased his proficiency from dead-ball situations once again, calmly slotting home a penalty after Igor Zubeldia had brought down Rasmus Hojlund in a similar fashion to De Ligt’s earlier foul.

Despite two penalties being awarded within just six minutes, the pace of the match remained relentless as the Red Devils found their rhythm.

However, on the half-hour mark, a golden opportunity was squandered when Hojlund, who arrived in this match on a 20-game goalless streak, misfired from close range, sending his shot wide of the post.

Just two minutes into the second half, the referee pointed to the spot again when Aritz Elustondo brought down Patrick Dorgu.

With great confidence, Fernandes again sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, marking his fifth goal in his last six appearances for United.

The second blow significantly dampened the spirits of La Real, allowing the hosts to begin controlling play with the swagger expected of a team that had recorded just one defeat in 29 home matches in the Europa League prior to this game.

Dorgu’s pace ignited further drama shortly after the hour mark, leading to Jon Aramburu’s sending-off for hauling down the advancing wing-back, despite the Dane only being ten yards inside the opponent’s half when he was taken down.

This proved to be a devastating blow for a Sociedad team currently languishing in the lower half of the LaLiga table, and Fernandes completed his hat-trick in style late in the match with a powerful strike that went past Alex Remiro into the bottom corner.

Diogo Dalot added a fourth in stoppage time, finishing brilliantly from Hojlund’s cutback, ensuring United progressed to the next round of the competition where they will face Lyon.

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