Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to lead his side to victory against 10-man Real Sociedad at Old Trafford and book a Europa League quarter-final encounter with French club Lyon.
Needing a victory to keep alive their hopes of marking Ruben Amorim's first year in charge with silverware and knowing the tournament is their only realistic chance of securing European football next season, United got off to the worst possible start as Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot after being brought down by Matthijs de Ligt.
Thankfully for the hosts, the were level within six minutes as Fernandes kept his cool after Igor Zubeldia had taken Rasmus Hojlund down as the Dane was bearing down on the Sociedad goal.
Remarkably, it took a third penalty of the night to get United's noses in front.
Aritz Elustondo complained long after it was ruled he had fouled Patrick Dorgu. It made no difference, and for the third time, the goalkeeper went the wrong way as Fernandes found the net for from the spot for his 14th goal of the season.
The Spanish visitors' last chance seemed to disappear midway through the second half when Jon Aramburu was sent off for hauling down Dorgu, who would have been through.
But just for good measure, United struck twice more before the end.
Fernandes completed his second hat-trick for the club with a low finish across goal and into the far corner before fellow Portugal international Diogo Dalot drilled home a fourth in stoppage time.
Line-ups
Man Utd XI: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Dalot, Zirkzee, Garnacho, Højlund, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven
Subs: Eriksen, Lindelof, Ugarte, Collyer, Tyler Fredricson, Dermot Mee, Jack Fletcher, Elyh Harrison, James Scanlon, Harry Amass
Real Sociedad XI: Sheraldo Becker, Álex Remiro, Elustondo, Mendez, Oyarzabal, Aguerd, Zubeldía, Takefusa Kubo, Martín Zubimendi, Aihen Muñoz, Pablo Marín
Subs: H.Traore, Sergio Gómez, Jon Ander Olasagasti, Javi López, Ander Barrenetxea, Jon Aramburu, Beñat Turrientes, Orri Óskarsson, Unai Marrero, Luken Beitia, Arkaitz Mariezkurrena, Jon Martín
championjr
514
No real red will skip this ❤️ Hattrick Hero my captain
CHRISBLAISE24
400
Dorgu is Classic....a like for him
championjr
361
This Lad is becoming a joy to watch He Plays such beautiful football
Rt_quane
277
Only those who never gave up on Joshua Zirkzee should like this❤️
Wildboy
184
If you respect the captain 🧑✈️ like 👍 here
Teaacmtu
181
Allow me to appreciate this young talent. 10/10
gsikaputa
172
In the last 3 games I saw Casemiro of 2022/3 season 🫰
McForlemu
135
High class honesty shown by Patrick Dorgu there. He told the referee that it wasn't supposed to be a penalty because the foul on him was not enough to warrant a penalty kick. Class!
ALNASSR
126
The Casemiro I see today 🤍🇧🇷🤍
Josedad
111
Most underrated and criticize player in the world ⚽️⚽️⚽️ Bruno is a 💎
dougiefresh
90
Captain fantastic ©️🫡 It's a hat-trick for Bruno Fernandes ⚽️⚽️⚽️
gsikaputa
84
Yes Bruno Fernandes scored a hat trick but for me Patrick Dorgu is the man of match thank God we signed this guy 💪🙏
McForlemu
61
Zirkzee is a proper number 10. Hispassing game and vision are too class. If he improves those abilities, then we have ourselves a real assistant to Bruno's creativity. Well done boys!!
Iffy106
55
Captain United thank you from saving us from haters
Gentle_gaint
52
Commentator almost confused me when. He said DORGU LEFT IT FOR HEAVEN TO DELETE(DELIGHT)
Rt_quane
46
Bruno fernandes is actually so insane for this what a baller !
The_Real_Baggio
18
This Lad is becoming a joy to watch He Plays such beautiful football
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The boy is definitely technically gifted. Just needs to improve on his decision-making
dlifekiss
12
This guy is becoming a force. Plays beautiful football. Like for him. 👍
cuccilmtyz
11
Bruno driving man united out of the sea
Taj_a_war
11
Bruno is just overhated. He is better then most of the midfielders in PL but just because he plays for Utd he doesn’t get the recognition
Boickie
11
first player in football history to be awarded a penalty and said no to it. Dorgu is so class 🔥🔥
dougiefresh
10
WOW THIS KID WAS ON EARTH BEFORE 18-year-old Ayden Heaven in his first start for Man United: 63 touches 42 passes completed 4/4 duels won 4 clearances 2 interceptions 0 times dribbled past An impressive display. 🌟
gsikaputa
10
Patrick Dorgu told the referee that it's not a penalty what a player ✌️🫡
Wizprince11
9
Never forget Heaven on Earth 🌎 at Manchester United he 🎛️ control the defense thanks Arsenal we need more of your Academics
Rt_quane
9
Can you please give him his flowers? Zirkzee is a real baller 🥹❤️❤️❤️
Rt_quane
9
No Man utd fan Should pass this what a baller he is
Olilatonny95
9
his tactics is starting to be seen and it's looking easy for Garnacho and Dorgu
Alhafson
7
so real sociedad came to old Trafford 4-1 reason
Victor344
7
Manu will enjoy this coach in the champion league if they sign go player and give him time, he is more better in knockout stages
dougiefresh
7
DID YOU KNOW THAT.. Bruno Fernandes now has the most goal involvements in Europa League HISTORY, with 41 (24 goals, 17 assists) 👏
gallasyommy
8
🚨| Casemiro’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad: 77 minutes played 84% pass accuracy 68 total touches 8 passes into the final third 6 defensive actions 1 shot
tuubdlrsuy
7
Bruno you are already a manchester united legend
gsikaputa
8
Luke shaw is sweating already and we don't care let him be injured for another 5 years Patrick Dorgu is here 💪
Zewadeklpz
7
The fans who are praising Bruno here will be the same to insult him when he has a bad game. Utd need not only new players, but new fans as well
iceyez
7
Dorgu, Bruno, Zirkzee all deserve to be man of the match. Such a joy to watch tonight's game. A very well deserved victory
Josedad
8
Just imagine united finishing 14th place in the premier league and end up qualifying for the champions by using the Europa League shortcut. Hell will break loose💔
Rt_quane
8
13 goals 13 assists Where would we be without Bruno Fernandes?
faecelsuyz
7
HEAVEN, what a boy.. the future is bright.
bawckntuyz
8
Guys that Dorgu kind of guy 🔥 🔥 🔥🚀
_stekafo4
7
Hodjlund Deserve A Goal Today
Yirajang
8
Do you know that we are the only unbeaten team in both the Champions league and Europa league
Olilatonny95
8
out of 108 teams in European competition, there is only one team which is unbeaten