Manchester United Overwhelm Real Sociedad: Three Penalties, One Red Card, and a Hat-Trick

Manchester United continue their mission to salvage the season, progressing to the next stage of the UEFA Europa League with a stunning 4–1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. A hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes proved decisive.

The Red Devils’ drawn-out exit from crisis mode can sometimes feel like a reality show, and the opening moments of this clash did not disappoint. Just ten minutes in, the visitors earned a penalty, duly converted by Mikel Oyarzabal to put Real Sociedad ahead. However, French referee Benoît Bastien took a generous approach to spot kicks on this particular night. A mere six minutes later, Bruno Fernandes leveled the score with a penalty of his own.

The most controversial moment came when Dorgu collided with Aritz Elustondo inside the box, seemingly exaggerating the impact. Even VAR did not intervene, leaving the initial penalty decision unchanged. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted again, giving Manchester United the lead.

Further drama followed in the second half, as the evening’s European action was rife with red cards. This time, the visitors suffered the blow. In the 63rd minute, Aramburu impeded Dorgu on a potential breakaway—an offense that left the referee with little choice but to show a red. Down to ten men, Real Sociedad were effectively out of the contest.

Taking full advantage, Manchester United added two more goals before the final whistle. Bruno Fernandes completed his hat-trick—adding a goal from open play to his two penalties—sealing the 4–1 victory.

Next up, the Red Devils face a quarter-final showdown against Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Europa League.

2024-25, Europa League

Manchester United - Real Sociedad 4:1 (1:1)
Goals: Oyarzabal, 10 (penalty) (0:1); Fernandes B., 16 (penalty) (1:1); Fernandes B., 50 (penalty) (2:1); Fernandes B., 87 (3:1); Dalot, 90+1 (4:1)

Manchester United: Onana A.; de Ligt; Dorgu; Dalot; Heaven; Mazraoui; Fernandes B.; Casimiro (Collier, 78); Garnacho; Höjlund R.; Zirkzee (Eriksen C., 89)
Bench: Mee; Lindelöf; Amass; Fredricson T.; Ugarte; Fletcher Jack; Scanlon
Yellow Cards: de Ligt 9; Collier 90+4

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Muñoz A.; Elustondo (Traore Ha-i, 80); Aguerd; Zubimendi; Zubeldia I. (Aramburu, 56); Oyarzabal; Kubo T. (Oskarsson, 76); Méndez B.; Marin P. (Turrientes, 56); Becker (Barrenetxea, 55)
Bench: Larranaga; Javi Lopez; Martín Jon; Beitia; Olasagasti; Sergio Gomez; Etxezarreta
Yellow Cards: Zubeldia I. 14; Marin P. 39; Zubimendi 51; Oyarzabal 64; Elustondo 69; Barrenetxea 74; Aguerd 89
Red cards: Aramburu 63'