Bruno Fernandes starred with a hat-trick, leading Manchester United to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win and booking their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The match saw three of Fernandes’ goals come from the penalty spot, following an early strike from Mikel Oyarzabal that gave Sociedad the lead. Fernandes quickly equalized from the spot and then netted another penalty in the 50th minute to give United the advantage. He completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish for his 15th goal of the season, putting United in control.
Diogo Dalot added a fourth goal late in the match, further ensuring United’s progression. Despite struggling in the Premier League and being eliminated from domestic cup competitions, United’s best hope of salvaging their season now lies in the Europa League.
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The match took place in front of a passionate 74,000 fans at Old Trafford, although protests against the Glazer family ownership continued. Sociedad, struggling in La Liga, also focused on European success as their season hung in the balance.
Sociedad got off to a strong start, taking the lead after Oyarzabal converted a penalty following a foul by Matthijs de Ligt in the 10th minute. Oyarzabal had also scored from the spot in the first leg, and once again sent Andre Onana the wrong way.
However, United equalized within six minutes, with Fernandes scoring from the penalty spot after Rasmus Højlund was fouled. United had chances to take the lead before halftime, with Højlund missing a golden opportunity when he failed to convert a cross from Joshua Zirkzee.
United didn’t have to wait long to push ahead in the second half. Zirkzee’s shot was saved, but Patrick Dorgu was fouled in the box, giving Fernandes another chance to score from the spot. After a red card for Sociedad’s Jon Aramburu for fouling Dorgu, United’s task was made easier.
Despite a goalless performance from strikers Zirkzee and Højlund, Fernandes finished off a brilliant display with a powerful strike into the bottom corner from Alejandro Garnacho’s pass. Højlund did at least provide an assist for Dalot, whose shot sealed the 4-1 win.
United’s focus now shifts to the quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon in their quest to secure European glory.
