Manchester United advances to Europa League quarterfinals

KATHMANDU: Manchester United has secured their place in the Europa League quarterfinals after a commanding 4-1 victory over 10-man Real Sociedad in the second leg on Thursday.

Captain Bruno Fernandes scored a brilliant hat-trick to lead the Red Devils through, with the overall aggregate score at 5-2 following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

The win keeps alive United’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals, where they will face French club Lyon.

Real Sociedad’s hopes of a comeback were dashed early on. The Spanish side took the lead in the 10th minute after Matz Sels’ mistake allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to convert a penalty.

However, United responded just six minutes later with Fernandes scoring from the penalty spot after Igor Zubeldia fouled Rasmus Højlund.

United took control of the game in the second half. Fernandes put the hosts ahead with another penalty in the 50th minute after a foul by Aritz Elustondo on Patrick Dorgu.

Real Sociedad’s chances were further diminished when Jon Aramburu received a red card in the 63rd minute for a foul on Dorgu.

United capitalized on their numerical advantage, adding two more goals before the final whistle.

Fernandes completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, and Diogo Dalot sealed the victory with a fourth goal in injury time, confirming Manchester United’s dominant win.

With this victory, Manchester United has firmly advanced to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for their upcoming clash against Lyon.