Fernandes keeps United's season alive
Manchester United 4 - 1 Real Sociedad (Manchester United won 5-3 on aggregate)
Bruno Fernandes delivered a captain’s performance at Old Trafford, scoring a hat-trick to guide Manchester United past 10-man Real Sociedad and into the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon.
With their European hopes hanging by a thread and the Europa League representing their only realistic route back into continental competition next season, United could hardly have made a worse start. Mikel Oyarzabal put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after Matthijs de Ligt brought him down inside the box.
But the hosts responded swiftly, levelling just six minutes later when Fernandes kept his composure from 12 yards after Igor Zubeldia had fouled Rasmus Højlund as he surged towards goal.
Remarkably, a third penalty of the night put United in front. Sociedad were left furious after Aritz Elustondo was penalised for a challenge on January signing Patrick Dorgu. Still, the decision stood, and Fernandes made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way once again for his 14th goal of the season.
Any hopes of a Sociedad fightback all but ended midway through the second half when Jon Aramburu saw red for dragging down Dorgu as he threatened to break clear.
United made their numerical advantage count, adding two late goals to wrap up an emphatic victory. Fernandes completed his hat-trick with a precise low finish into the far corner before Diogo Dalot rifled home in stoppage time to cap a dominant display.
United fans fired up after a chaotic week
This victory provided a welcome lift in what has been a turbulent week for Manchester United that began with widespread protests against the club’s majority owners, the Glazer family, before Sunday’s draw with Arsenal.
Then, on Monday, concerns over United’s financial future escalated when minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned the club was at risk of going bust by the end of the year without drastic cost-cutting measures. Those fears were later played down by chief executive Omar Berrada in an interview with TNT ahead of Thursday’s game.
There was then announcement about a new stadium that had been criticised by some elements of United's support.
For this match, United fans created a fantastic atmosphere. Before the match, there was a brief pyrotechnic display which fired up the support. Liam C told us: "The best match of the season so far. The fans were amazing and the players responded when they would have been under loads of pressure. Onwards and upwards."
Fernandes steps up
Former Manchester United captain and icon Roy Keane may have serious questions about the 30-year-old's commitment, leadership skills, and teamwork.
However, in a crisis, the former Sporting midfielder is the player most likely to rise to the occasion. He understood the stakes when he stepped up to take his first penalty and appeared slightly nervous while waiting for the referee's whistle. Nevertheless, Fernandes maintained his composure, just as he did at the beginning of the second half.
His final goal solidified his status as man of the match. While Keane may criticise him, it’s clear that without Fernandes, United would be in a far worse situation than they currently are.
