Bruno Fernandes's hat-trick helps Manchester United reach Europa League quarters
What's the story
Manchester United booked a place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
The win, which took United to a 5-2 aggregate scoreline, was made possible by Bruno Fernandes's hat-trick and Diogo Dalot's late goal.
Despite an early penalty scare from Mikel Oyarzabal, Fernandes scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, to turn the game around for United.
Turning point
Game-changing moment swings in United's favor
The match turned on its head when Real Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu was sent off for fouling Patrick Dorgu.
Following this, Fernandes completed his hat-trick, taking the tie beyond the Basque side's reach.
In stoppage time, Dalot added another goal to seal a comprehensive victory for Manchester United.
Future fixtures
Manchester United's next opponent in Europa League
Following their victory, Ruben Amorim's team will face Lyon in the next round of the Europa League.
This win not only keeps their season alive but also brings them closer to the prospect of European silverware.
While United has plans for a new 100,000 capacity stadium and financial backing from CEO Omar Berrada, Amorim emphasized the importance of this match for the team's prospects.
Coach's perspective
Amorim's vision for the competition
Amorim believes this competition can give his players "more energy to finish the season in a different way."
The match against Real Sociedad was played at a higher tempo than much of what fans have witnessed this winter.
With Lyon up next, there's an opportunity to secure a trophy and Champions League football.
Player performance
Fernandes praises Hojlund
Fernandes praised Rasmus Hojlund for his contributions during the match.
Fernandes told TNT Sports, "He's a striker. It's all about goals, he's going to be criticised for not scoring but in the dressing room, we want him to score as many as he can. He got the penalty for the first goal, for my third he took the defender with him. There's a lot of things he does which don't get seen from the outside world, but we see it."
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Here are the match stats
Manchester United had 10 shots on target from 25 attempts. Sociedad had three shots on target from 8 attempts. Ruben Amorim's men had 46 touches in the oppositon box. Sociedad had 16. The hosts also owned 60% ball possession.
Fernandes
Fernandes keeps on producing the goods
As per Opta, Fernandes has the most goals and assists combined (24 goals, 17 assists) of any player in UEFA Europa League history.
In 276 matches for Man United in all competitions, Fernandes has raced to 94 goals.
In the ongoing season, he has scored 15 goals from 43 matches in all competitions, including four in the Europa League.
Opta stats
Major records made as United beat Sociedad
Manchester United are 16 matches unbeaten in UEFA Europa League knockout matches at Old Trafford (W11 D5).
In 10 major European matches against English sides, Sociedad have claimed just a solitary win (D3 L6).
Fernandes's hat-trick was the first by a Man United player in a major European competition since Marcus Rashford vs RB Leipzig in October 2020 (UEFA Champions League).
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Assists for Garnacho and Hojlund
Alejandro Garnacho assisted Fernandes for United's third goal of the night. In all competitions this season, Garnacho owns 8 assists, including three in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Hojlund made his maiden assist for United this season, playing his 37th game in all competitions.
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Zirkzee shines for the Red Devils
Joshua Zirkzee's impact since dropping into the No. 10 position has been remarkable. Alongside Patrick Dorgu, the Dutchman was a livewire and played one of his best matches in an United shirt since joining the club in the summer of 2024.