Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes inspires dramatic Europa League semi-final win
Manchester United thumped Athletic Club in a dramatic first half to put one foot in the Europa League final
Three first-half goals helped Manchester United put themselves on the cusp of the Europa League final on Thursday, with the Premier League side earning a 3-0 semi-final first leg win away at Athletic Bilbao.
In a raucous San Memes atmosphere, with supporters dreaming of a first-ever European trophy, veteran midfielder Casemiro arrived at the back post to give the visitors the lead 30 minutes in.
United, who are having a miserable season domestically, were given another boost five minutes later as Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for fouling Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area and Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting spot kick.
The United fans high in the top tier were in dreamland moments later as captain Fernandes raced through to put the seal on a victory, and perhaps even the tie, before the interval.
Bilbao, who have the added incentive that the final will be hosted at their own stadium on May 21, could not muster a response in the second half with depleted numbers, leaving United to coast to the most unlikely first-leg success.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20 min: Garnacho is brought down in the Athletic half and United will have a free-kick from distance, and perhaps a chance to launch a ball into the box. Bruno Fernandes stands over it...
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
19 min: Athletic hit United with a direct pass into their weak spot, behind the wingbacks, as Inaki Williams drives into space vacated by an advanced Dorgu. But Williams’ dangerous low cross is cleared away and United escape.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
17 min: Almost a catastrophic mistake by Lindelof, who is caught on the ball and loses it. Athletic break quickly but Casemiro races back to make a crucial interception in the box.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
15 min: Ugarte dribbles down the left and wins a throw-in in Athletic’s half. United are enjoying a brief spell with the ball, much to the annoyance of the home supporters, who whistle.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
12 min: Sannadi tries to take on Maguire but the defender stands his ground and pinches the ball, before earning a free-kick. Good defending.
'An intimidating atmosphere'
It is seriously loud here, which was an issue during the (supposed) minute's silence for Pope Francis. Otherwise, however, it is creating an intimidating atmosphere. Manchester United have actually started quite well, looking unworried by it all. Bruno Fernandes has provided a couple of lovely passes and Andre Onana has made a fine save. But if Athletic score, it will get still louder.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
9 min: Huge chance for Inaki Williams! Berenguer crosses perfectly into Williams’ path, but the striker fires over the bar from about eight yards with a free header. He at least should have worked Onana there.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
5 min: A chance for Athletic, as Berenguer strides forward and fires a low shot towards the left corner, but Onana stretches out a glove to divert it around the post.
No goal! Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
3 min: An almost brilliant start by United, as Alejandro Garnacho is flicked through on goal and he finishes ruthlessly. But the flag goes up immediately, and VAR confirms the decision after a brief check. Garnacho went just too soon.
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