Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United secured a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on Thursday, advancing to the Europa League quarter-finals with a 5-2 aggregate win.
The game was full of drama, with three of United’s goals coming from the penalty spot.
Sociedad led through Mikel Oyarzabal, but Fernandes quickly equalised with a penalty. He added a second from the spot early in the second half before completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish for his 15th goal of the season. Diogo Dalot rounded off the scoring with a late goal.
United’s boss Ruben Amorim praised Fernandes’ leadership and performance, calling him a “perfect captain.” With United struggling in the Premier League and out of domestic cup competitions, the Europa League now represents their best chance of salvaging their season.
Sociedad had a tough night, with their manager, Imanol Alguacil, criticising the referee’s decisions after three penalties were awarded to United and Jon Aramburu was sent off in the second half.
