Manchester United took a commanding stride towards the Europa League final with an impressive 3-0 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final at the San Mamés Stadium on Thursday night. Captain Bruno Fernandes scored twice after Casemiro had opened the scoring.
Despite a vociferous home crowd and early pressure from Athletic – including a missed header from Iñaki Williams and a goal-bound shot from Alex Berenguer blocked by Victor Lindelöf – the game decisively swung in United’s favour around the half-hour mark.
Casemiro headed the visitors in front in the 30th minute after Harry Maguire’s cross was flicked on. Just five minutes later, Athletic defender Dani Vivian was sent off after a VAR review determined he had denied Rasmus Højlund a goalscoring opportunity inside the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes coolly converted the resulting spot-kick in the 37th minute, silencing the home supporters.
The United captain then added a third just before halftime, latching onto a clever flick from Manuel Ugarte and finishing clinically to put Ruben Amorim’s side in complete control of the tie.
United managed the second half effectively against the 10 men, with Casemiro hitting the post with a header, though they couldn’t add to their tally.
The comprehensive victory provides a significant boost for Manchester United, whose domestic season has been highly disappointing (currently 14th in the Premier League). Winning the Europa League represents their only realistic route into next season’s Champions League. Fernandes continued his excellent form in the competition; his brace took him to seven goals in this season’s Europa League (a United record) and 27 overall, level with Romelu Lukaku as the joint-third highest scorer in the competition’s history.
United will take their 3-0 lead back to Old Trafford for the second leg next Thursday (May 8th), strongly favoured to reach the final, which ironically will be held back at Athletic’s San Mamés stadium on May 21st. An all-English final remains a strong possibility after Tottenham Hotspur beat Bodø/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of the other semi-final.
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