‘How much you paid the ref’ – Man Utd star writes on Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick ball after Europa League hat-trick
A MANCHESTER UNITED star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.
Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.
He scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.
As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”
The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.
The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.
The second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.
The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.
It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.
Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.
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Fernandes’ brace of penalties were the 58th and 59th of his career.
He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.
They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.
United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.
The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.
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CAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again - scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.
He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.
Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.
But it wasn’t all positive.
Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.
Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.