Bruno Fernandes Hat-Trick Sends Manchester United into Europa League Quarter-Finals Amid Card-Heavy Clash

Manchester United advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League after defeating Real Sociedad 4-1, powered by Bruno Fernandes’ impressive hat-trick.

The match began with Real Sociedad taking the lead in the 10th minute after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty following Matthijs de Ligt’s foul. Fernandes quickly equalized for United in the 16th minute, also scoring from the spot.

Fernandes scored his second penalty goal in the 50th minute, putting United ahead. Real Sociedad’s challenges escalated after Jon Ander Aramburu received a red card in the 63rd minute for tripping, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Fernandes then completed his hat-trick, with his third goal arriving in injury time (90+1′), following Christian Eriksen’s strike at the 90+4′ mark to seal the 4-1 victory.

The fixture was notably physical, with a total of ten yellow cards and one red shown during the match. Manchester United’s Matthijs De Ligt received an early caution, while Sociedad accumulated several bookings, including Oyarzabal, Martín Zubimendi, and Ander Barrenetxea.

The result sends Manchester United comfortably into the competition’s quarter-finals, though the high number of disciplinary actions during the match could impact squad selections moving forward.