Manchester United secured a place in the Europa League quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, led by a stunning hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder’s heroics ensured his team remains in contention for silverware this season, with manager Ruben Amorim emphasizing the importance of winning titles for their captain.
The match began with an early setback as Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to put Sociedad ahead. However, United quickly responded, with Fernandes leveling the score from the spot in the 16th minute. His second penalty, early in the second half, gave the home side the lead before he sealed his hat-trick with a superb strike late in the game. Diogo Dalot added a fourth in stoppage time to complete a dominant performance.
Fernandes now has 15 goals across all competitions this season, and his influence continues to be a driving force for the team. Amorim spoke about the midfielder’s relentless desire to win, stating that the team must do everything to help him lift trophies. He acknowledged that Fernandes’ passion for success can sometimes lead to frustration, but highlighted his ability to impact games in multiple ways whether through set pieces, penalties, or crucial late-game contributions.
With this victory, United not only progress in the competition but also move closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League. The road ahead includes a quarter-final clash with Lyon, with the first leg set to take place in France on April 10, followed by the return fixture at Old Trafford a week later.
Elsewhere in the competition, Tottenham advanced after narrowly overcoming AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate, while Rangers edged past Fenerbahce in a tense penalty shootout. The possibility of an all-English final remains, with United and Spurs on opposite sides of the draw.
The match also saw a moment of sportsmanship when Patrick Dorgu informed the referee that a late collision with Hamari Traoré was not a penalty. Amorim praised Dorgu’s honesty and his development in the squad, recognizing the defender’s physical attributes and growing maturity on the field.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Amorim highlighted the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford and the confidence the win instilled in both players and supporters. He noted that while the result was important, the manner in which the team played was equally vital in shaping their momentum for the rest of the season.
The manager also pointed out that the team must quickly shift focus to their upcoming Premier League fixture against Leicester City. Following a hard-fought draw with Arsenal earlier in the week, United delivered a performance that hinted at a promising future while addressing some of their current challenges. With their European campaign still alive, the team will be eager to build on this success as they aim to finish the season on a high.
