Bruno Fernandes struck twice and Casemiro added a crucial opener as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory against 10-man Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at San Mames.
United delivered a commanding away performance to all but secure their place in the final, where they could face either Tottenham Hotspur or Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt. For manager Ruben Amorim, the win represents a major step towards silverware — and potentially Champions League qualification, given United’s disappointing 14th place in the Premier League.
Casemiro Strikes Against the Run of Play
Backed by a fervent home crowd, Bilbao started brightly, creating several chances through the Williams brothers and Alex Berenguer. Andre Onana was tested early, but United’s defence — led by a rejuvenated Victor Lindelof and an adventurous Harry Maguire — held firm.
Against the run of play, Maguire surged down the right and sent in a dangerous low cross. A clever flick from Manuel Ugarte found Casemiro unmarked at the back post, and the Brazilian midfielder made no mistake, nodding home to stun the home crowd.
Red Card Turns the Tide
Moments later, the match turned further in United’s favor. Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box. Athletic fans were furious, but the referee awarded the penalty, and Fernandes calmly slotted it past Julen Agirrezabala to double United’s lead.
Fernandes Adds a Third Before the Break
Before the hosts could regroup, United struck again. Ugarte, impressive throughout, delivered a clever backheel to Fernandes, who coolly finished for his second of the night and a 3-0 halftime scoreline.
Noussair Mazraoui nearly made it four with a thunderous effort that smashed off the crossbar, as United looked to kill off the tie entirely.
San Mames Silenced as United Take Control
The second half saw Athletic attempt a brave fightback, with Ernesto Valverde introducing fresh legs. However, United maintained control, with Fernandes and Casemiro expertly dictating tempo in midfield. Maguire was involved in another controversial moment when Maroan Sannadi went down under pressure, but no foul was given despite home protests.
The result leaves United firmly in control ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. With £100 million and Champions League qualification on the line, Amorim’s men will look to finish the job in Manchester.
Fernandes rolled the penalty into the bottom right corner, sending Julen Agirrezabala the wrong way.
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde made a double substitution, trying to stem the bleeding, but his team shipped a third before half-time.
Ugarte’s clever backheel played Fernandes through on goal and he stroked home with ease.
Noussair Mazraoui crashed a shot off the crossbar from the edge of the box as United almost grabbed a fourth before the break.
Norwegian referee Espen Eskas and his colleagues were barracked by the home fans, seeing their aspirations to glory evaporate before their eyes.
They were further enraged, waving the white cards from the pre-match tifo to show their disgust, when Maroan Sannadi tumbled under pressure from Maguire as he ran towards goal but no foul was awarded.
United largely controlled the game in the second half, with Casemiro and Fernandes making life hard for the 10-man hosts, but they could not add a fourth despite probing.
The second leg takes place next Thursday at Old Trafford, ahead of the final on May 21 against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.
Final on the Horizon
Should United progress, they will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt in the final on May 21 — a date that could define their season and future under Amorim. For now, the Red Devils can savor a job well done in Spain.
