'How much you paid the ref?!' - Bruno Fernandes hilariously accused by Man Utd team-mate of buying penalties after grabbing hat-trick against Real Sociedad

The Red Devils looked to their captain for inspiration once again when facing Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 encounter. Said contest was locked at 1-1 on aggregate heading into a crucial clash at Old Trafford.

Fernandes was the man to guide United into the quarter-finals, as he netted three decisive goals. Two of those came from the penalty spot, with a notable treble being completed three minutes from time. Fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot put the seal on a 4-1 win in stoppage-time.

Fernandes walked away with the match ball, which he made a point of getting club colleagues to sign in the dressing room. While many offered messages of congratulation, one scribbled "how much you paid the ref" on their skipper’s continental memento.

United will now face French side Lyon in the quarter-finals, as the Europa League offers them a route to major silverware in what has been an otherwise disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Fernandes, meanwhile, has reached 94 goals for the Red Devils and could soon become the 23rd centurion in their illustrious history.