Bruno Fernandes leads Manchester United to Europa League quarterfinals with hat trick

In England, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the quarterfinals of the Europa League after impressive performances on Thursday night. Manchester United faced Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, where captain Bruno Fernandes scored a hat trick in a 4-1 victory, helping them to progress with a 5-2 aggregate score. Fernandes converted two penalties and netted another goal, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's success. Meanwhile, Tottenham secured a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar, overcoming a first-leg deficit to advance with a 3-2 aggregate score, highlighting the team's resilience in the competition. For Manchester United, the match against Real Sociedad served as a reminder of the iconic atmosphere at Old Trafford, with passionate fans rallying behind their team. The match also highlighted the emergence of young talent Ayden Heaven, who made his first senior start for United and earned praise for his performance. The win not only kept Manchester United's season alive but also provided a boost in confidence for the squad, which had been grappling with numerous injuries. Tottenham's win was equally significant, as they battled back from a first-leg defeat to keep their season afloat. Manager Ange Postecoglou's decision to start Wilson Odobert paid off, as the young striker scored two crucial goals. The team's ability to respond under pressure typifies their fighting spirit in this tournament. The victory was particularly sweet for Tottenham supporters, who had endured a challenging winter period with their squad struggling with injuries. Both teams will now look forward to their respective quarterfinal matches, with Manchester United set to face Lyon and Tottenham gearing up for a clash against Eintracht Frankfurt. As the journey in the Europa League continues, the performances of key players like Fernandes for United and Odobert for Tottenham could prove vital in their pursuit of European glory.