Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was the hero for Ruben Amorim on Thursday during the Reds' 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.
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Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrate
Alejandro Garnacho has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after his hattrick against Real Sociedad
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Alejandro Garnacho has sent a message to Manchester United's hat-trick hero Bruno Fernandes after his heroics against Real Sociedad.
Ruben Amorim's side were under huge pressure heading into their Europa League last 16 second-leg clash against Sociedad at Old Trafford. The Reds are almost certain to miss out on qualifying for Europe through the Premier League, meaning that winning this season's Europa League is their only opportunity to avoid no European football at M16 next term.
United got off to the worst possible start on the night, going 1-0 down through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, which put the visitors ahead 2-1 on aggregate. But Reds captain Fernandes came to United's rescue with a hat trick, which included two penalties, while Sociedad were also reduced to 10 men for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Diogo Dalot also netted on the night to make it 4-1, sealing United's progress to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate. And Argentine winger Garnacho has recognised Fernandes's heroics, which have set up a last-eight clash against Lyon next month.
"The main man. Quarter-finals next," he posted on Instagram alongside a picture of him with Fernandes holding the match ball.
The Portuguese responded in the comments with, "What an assist!" after Garnacho played a role in his goal, which sealed the hat trick to make it 3-1.
Amorim has called on United's players to help Fernandes win trophies as the 30-year-old continues to carry the Reds squad on his shoulder amid a difficult campaign.
"We already spoke about Bruno a lot of times," he said post-match. "We know that sometimes he is frustrated.
"We know he wants to win so badly so when things are not going well, he is changing position going after the ball. Sometimes he needs to trust his teammates 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."