LONDON - Bruno Fernandes led Manchester United into the Europa League quarter-finals with a hat-trick to beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday and 5-2 on aggregate.
The first three goals on the night came via the penalty spot as Mikel Oyarzabal had slotted Sociedad into an early lead.
However, Fernandes quickly restored parity and coolly scored again from the spot on 50 minutes.
The Portuguese international then ensured United will face Lyon in the last eight by firing home his 15th goal of the season.
Diogo Dalot rounded off the scoring in one of Ruben Amorim's best nights since taking charge of the Red Devils.
Amorim said after Fernandes' stunning free-kick in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal that his side "needed more Brunos".
"When we need it he is always there," said Amorim of Fernandes.
"He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him to win titles because he deserves it a lot."
Languishing 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions, United's last remaining hope of salvaging a miserable season lies with the Europa League.
Sociedad's season also hinged on European glory amid a disappointing La Liga campaign and Imanol Alguacil was left infuriated by the performance of Benoit Bastien.
The French official awarded United three penalties, although the final spot-kick was overturned, and sent-off Jon Aramburu early in the second half.
"There is frustration, anger! A stadium like this, a stage like this, does not deserve a refereeing performance like this," said Alguacil. "All we wanted was a fair and equal referee."