Manchester United’s Europa League journey is still alive, thanks to a masterclass from their star player Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils, fighting to salvage their season, dismantled Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory, Footballrover reports.
But while his remarkable brilliance propelled United into the quarter-finals, Fernandes had a sobering message: the team still has much to improve.
Bruno Fernandes hat-trick in Europa League sparks United revival
United entered the match under pressure, desperate for a win after a turbulent week.
However, they got off to a nightmare start when Matthijs de Ligt fouled Mikel Oyarzabal, allowing the Spaniard to convert an early penalty.
The setback only fueled United’s response, and as expected, Fernandes took charge.
Fresh off a free-kick stunner against Arsenal, the Portuguese maestro calmly dispatched his first penalty after Igor Zubeldia fouled Rasmus Højlund.
Six minutes later, another spot-kick followed, this time after Aritz Elustondo brought down Patrick Dorgu.
Fernandes confidently wrong-footed the keeper, flipping the game on its head.
As Sociedad struggled to recover, Jon Aramburu’s red card for hauling down Dorgu sealed their fate.
Bruno Fernandes then capped off his brilliant night with a composed finish past Álex Remiro before Diogo Dalot added a late fourth to seal United’s emphatic victory.
Bruni Fernandes warns: ‘We have a long way to go’
Despite the dominant display, Fernandes remained realistic about United’s challenges.
“This club is all about winning. We need to win games,” he said. “We have a long way to go, but with the right mentality, we can win.”
United will now face Lyon in the quarter-finals, knowing the road ahead is tough. But with Fernandes leading the charge, their Europa League dream remains very much alive.
Be the first to comment on "Bruno Fernandes fires hat-trick in Europa League, admits Man United have a ‘long way to go’ after crushing Real Sociedad"