Bruno Fernandes Hat-Trick Sends Man Utd Through to Europa League Quarter Finals

Watch the highlights from Man Utd’s dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad as Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick to send the Red Devils through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

United entered the second leg knowing that only a win would guarantee their progression after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Anoeta.

However, they had an early setback when Matthijs de Ligt was penalised for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, who calmly converted from the spot to give La Real the lead. It was déjà vu for United, as Oyarzabal had also scored from the spot in the first leg.

United responded well and began to impose themselves on the game. Rasmus Hojlund was a constant threat in attack and won a penalty of his own after being brought down in the box.

Fernandes stepped up and slotted home to restore parity before half-time, ensuring that United went into the break with their momentum building.

The second half saw United take control, and Fernandes was at the heart of everything. He doubled his tally from the spot early in the half after Aritz was deemed to have fouled Dorgu, though the decision was controversial.

Sociedad’s woes deepened when substitute Aramburu was shown a straight red card for bringing down Joshua Zirkzee as he bore down on goal.

With Sociedad down to ten men, United ruthlessly exploited their numerical advantage. Fernandes completed his hat-trick with a brilliant finish, capping off a performance that demonstrated his leadership and quality on the European stage.

To put the icing on the cake, Diogo Dalot added a fourth late on, securing a resounding 5-2 aggregate victory for the Red Devils.

WATCH: Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad Highlights

The result provides a major boost for Ruben Amorim, whose tenure at United has been under scrutiny amid an underwhelming domestic campaign. It was arguably their most complete performance under Amorim so far.

With United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, winning the Europa League remains their best chance of salvaging their season and securing a return to the Champions League.

The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the quarter-finals after the French side beat FCSB in their own last-16 tie.

If United can replicate this performance, they will fancy their chances of progressing further and potentially lifting the trophy.