Bruno Fernandes Leads Manchester United to Victory with Hat-Trick

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a sensational performance, netting a hat-trick to propel his team to a triumphant win over a 10-man Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. This victory paves the way for a Europa League quarter-final clash with French side Lyon. Seeking a win to preserve their chances of securing silverware under Ruben Amorim’s leadership and with the Europa League serving as their only viable path to European competition next season, United faced a challenging start. Mikel Oyarzabal scored first for Sociedad with a penalty after being fouled by Matthijs de Ligt.

However, United quickly rebounded, equalizing within six minutes thanks to Fernandes’ composure. He converted his chance after Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Igor Zubeldia on his way to the Sociedad goal. A third penalty of the night tipped the balance in United’s favor. Despite Aritz Elustondo’s protests over his foul on Patrick Dorgu, the decision stood, and Fernandes skillfully placed the ball into the net, marking his 14th goal of the season, while the goalkeeper guessed wrong once again.

The Spanish team’s hopes dwindled in the second half when Jon Aramburu received a red card for pulling down Dorgu, who was clear on goal. Adding to the drama, United scored twice more before the final whistle. Fernandes seized his second hat-trick for United with a precise shot across the goal into the far corner. Shortly after, fellow Portuguese player Diogo Dalot sealed the victory with a powerful strike for the fourth goal in stoppage time.