Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick helps Man United to impressive victory

Manchester United reached the Europa League quarter-finals and kept their season alive as Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick inspired an eye-catching comeback win against 10-man Real Sociedad.

With Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils sat 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups, this competition offered their only remaining route to silverware and, realistically, continental qualification.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s early spot-kick gave United a scare, but skipper Fernandes responded by scoring a pair of penalties before Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu was sent off.

Enough said. pic.twitter.com/g8yQroge9Y

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 13, 2025

The Portugal international completed his hat-trick before Diogo Dalot wrapped up a 4-1 win, and 5-2 aggregate triumph, that sets up a quarter-final clash with Lyon.

Old Trafford rocked as Amorim’s absentee-hit side impressed in a week when co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned some of the players’ quality and announced plans for a new £2billion, 100,000-seater super stadium.

United remain the Europa League’s only unbeaten side and still have the chance to end a season to forget on a high, just as they did by beating rivals Manchester City to win the FA Cup last term.

“We want Glazers out” echoed around Old Trafford as La Real started strongly and tested a new-look back-line featuring 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, who had never started a senior competitive match before.

But it was experienced Matthijs de Ligt who would be caught out early on, leaving Oyarzabal in a heap as he attempted to cut out Aritz Elustondo’s cross.

Referee Benoit Bastien pointed to the spot after reviewing the pitchside monitor on VAR Willy Delajod’s advice and Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way with his