Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes inspires dramatic Europa League semi-final win
Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium
Manchester United travel to Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals in what they hope will be the first of two visits to the Basque Country this month.
Athletic will host the Europa League final later on 21 May and are dreaming of winning a first European trophy at their home stadium in San Mames. With Spain star Nico Williams in their attack and Athletic enjoying a good season in La Liga, sitting fourth under Ernesto Valverde, the hosts look favourites to win the competition.
Ruben Amorim’s visitors are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League but produced a stunning comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals to keep their Europa League hopes alive. While Amorim dismissed the idea that winning the Europa League would “save our season”, winning the trophy offers a route into the Champions League and could help turn the club’s fortunes around.
Follow live updates from Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final first leg, below.
'You have to feel for Athletic'
Magnificent night for Manchester United, the best of Ruben Amorim's reign. They are the only unbeaten side in Europe this season, but few can honestly say this scoreline coming. To do it in a semi-final, under such pressure, was really impressive.
Have to feel for Athletic, though. Trophies probably do mean more to clubs who rarely win them and a final on their own ground seemed to offer a wonderful opportunity. Instead, they will be hosts but not winners. It all turned in 16 minutes and while the red card was probably the correct decision, it was also cruel.
Full-time: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
What an incredible night for Manchester United. They have one foot in the Europa League final.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
90 min: There will be four minutes added on, and United look the most likely to score right now.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
87 min: A grumpy Inaki Williams is replaced by Alvaro Djalo.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
84 min: United’s evening just got even better, because Amad Diallo is back on the pitch for the first time since February. He replaces Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo replaces Patrick Dorgu.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
82 min: Bruno Fernandes tries his luck from 25 yards out, hitting a first-time shot towards the bottom right corner where Agirrezabala gets across to parry the ball clear.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
80 min: Unai Gomez replaces the disappointing Nico Williams.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
76 min: Mount is booked for a clear trip, and the home fans cheer ironically.
'Both teams want it to end'
Maybe both sides want it to end now, albeit for very different reasons. So far the second half has been a non-event, though it would be hard to be more eventful than the first.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments