Manchester United are through to the Europa League quarter-final after Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
For United fans, it was enough for a 5-2 win on aggregate and a night which looked set to be filled with nerves and anxiety ended in a party atmosphere.
A pair of converted penalties either side of half-time — after the hosts had gone behind early on via another spot kick — and a smart finish late in the game meant the United captain took away the match ball.
Diogo Dalot put the icing on the cake in stoppage time on a very good night for Ruben Amorim and his men as they cruised through with a 5-2 aggregate win.
United will face French side Lyon in the quarter-final.
We need to help Bruno win titles – Amorim
There hasn’t been much for United fans to cheer, but this was one of their best performances under Amorim as Manchester United’s season has been on life support, but with Bruno Fernandes providing resuscitation, Ruben Amorim’s team are still alive.
The win and happy moments are inspired by Fernandes and if he remains fit and in form, he could yet drag this team to a trophy and UEFA Champions League qualification.
“We already spoke about Bruno a lot of times,” Amorim said afterwards.
“We know that sometimes he is frustrated. We know he wants to win so bad, so when things are not going well, he is changing position and going after the ball. Sometimes, he needs to trust his teammate, but when we need it, he is always there. He can bring the ball forward, he can score goals, he can defend. He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him win titles.”
What’s next for Man United
A Europa League quarter-final awaits for Manchester United, but not just yet.
Plenty of their players will take a well-earned rest after this weekend for the fortnight-long international break. But not before they visit Leicester City — a team they have already beaten three times this season — on Sunday evening.
Despite tonight’s victory, anything less than a win in that Premier League game will pile the pressure right back on Ruben Amorim.
Europa League quarter-final line-up in full
With that Rangers shootout victory, we now know which teams will do battle in the Europa League quarter-finals:
- Bodo/Glimt vs Lazio
- Lyon vs Manchester United
- Rangers vs Athletic Club
- Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt
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