Bruno Fernandes inspires Man Utd to keep Champions League dream alive – 6 talking points

MAN UTD 4-1 REAL SOCIEDAD (AGG 5-2): Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes netted a hat-trick as Ruben Amorim’s men eventually found a way into the Europa League quarter-finals

Manchester United have reached the Europa League quarter-finals after being forced to come from behind vs Real Sociedad.

The Red Devils had a nightmare start as Matthijs de Ligt conceded a penalty, which was converted by Mikel Oyazarbal. But they weren’t behind for long as captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up with his own spot-kick to equalise.

Yet ANOTHER penalty came United’s way with Fernandes scoring, while Sociedad were then reduced to ten men as Jon Aramburu was sent off for a last man foul on Patrick Dorgu. Another late penalty was chalked off before Fernandes rounded off his hat-trick. Diogo Dalot then got in on the act in stoppage time with a brilliant effort of his own.

United are now set to take on French side Lyon in the quarter-finals. Here are all of the talking points from Old Trafford:

Oyarzabal repeats trick

Just like in the first-leg, Sociedad star Oyazarbal was successful from the spot. And it came after an early VAR review.

As De Ligt attempted to clear a cross, he appeared to catch the ankle of the Spaniard. The referee missed it but VAR intervened and the spot-kick was given upon review.

It was a harsh decision – but maybe a correct one. But there was no doubt about Oyazarabal’s penalty as he sent Andre Onana the wrong one to put his side in the lead for the first time.

Who was Man United’s man-of-the-match vs Real Sociedad? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Penalty perfection

Just as quickly as Sociedad had a penalty, United had one of their own. Fernandes had ghosted in unmarked down the right and attempted to pull the ball across to Rasmus Hojlund.

Just as the Dane was ready to tap home, he was taken down by Igor Zubeldia. And there was only going to be one man to assume the responsibilty: Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese was coollness personified as he rolled the ball home to haul United level. We seem to ask this every single week but where would they be without him.

No flinching from Fernandes

What he lacked in free-kick finesse against Real Sociedad, he certainly made up for it from 12 yards. After Dorgu was upended just minutes after half time, United were given yet another penalty.

And for the first time since the first leg in Spain, Fernandes put United ahead on aggregate with another expert penalty. It was his 14th goal of the season in all competitions on what was another productive night for the former Sporting Lisbon man.

And he even had time to fire home a treble by finishing coolly in the closing stages to wrap up the game and United’s place in the quarter-finals.

Sociedad star walks

After the three penalties, there was yet more refereeing drama to come during the game. An excellent pass from Joshua Zirkzee saw the Sociedad defence spilt, with Dorgu in.

Jon Aramburu attempted to intervene but could only bring down the defender. And the referee did not hesitate as he brandished a red card for a last man foul.

It was a harsh decision given how far away from goal Dorgu was but that was of little consequence as Aramburu walked.

Attack bright but still no goals

There’s no doubt about it, United’s attack against Sociedad was much better. Hojlund looked far more of a threat, while Zirkzee was brilliant.

His eye for a pass and link up play was pivotal to everything good that the hosts did. And it certainly showed in the statistics, with Amorim’s side having 25 shots throughout the game.

There was just one thing missing – goals from their strikers. Hojlund missed a host of chances, while Zirkzee also had a few of his own. This was a definite improvement but the sooner Amorim gets goals out of his misfiring frontline the better.

Season still alive

Had this game gone the other way, United’s season would have been all-but over. They have little chance of European football in the league.

But they now have a realistic chance of Champions League football and a trophy. And they’re only a few games away.

There’s no getting away from it, it has been an awful season, but the Europa League just might be breathing new life into it.

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