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 v Manchester United
The players are out on the pitch, listening to the Europa League theme tune before shaking hands. It’s a ferocious atmosphere inside the San Mames, and quitening the crowd with a bright start feels key for United tonight.
Athletic Club v Manchester United
Kick-off is moments away. Can United keep their incredible European run alive? Or will Athletic prove a challenge to far? We’re about to find out...
Ruben Amorim says Alejandro Garnacho key to gameplan
Amorim tells TNT Sports that he must be careful with Amad and De Ligt, who are on the bench tonight.
He adds, on United’s tactical approach: “We just focus on the way they defend, they press high so we can use the pitch behind, we have players to do that, especially Garnacho.”
Nothing will save our season but this is huge, says Amorim
Here’s Ruben Amorim talking before the game, suggesting this competition could be key to the club's immediate future, both on and off the pitch.
"Everybody knows (the game against Bilbao) it is really important for our season," Amorim told reporters on Wednesday.
"We know that nothing is going to save our season but this can be huge, winning a trophy and also to get into the Champions League.
"To have those games next year could change a lot of things in our club, even in the summer."
'This could transform United's season'
Bilbao has been a sea of red and white today. Don't think I have ever been in a city where so many people are wearing one team's shirt. The San Mames is a sizeable ground, but surely not big enough for all of those who were in Bilbao gear on the streets today. It does, though, highlight what a big game this is for the club who will host the final and who have won a solitary trophy in the last four decades. In another sense, however, it matters more for Manchester United: Athletic are likely to qualify for the Champions League anyway. United will not but Europe could transform their season. Ruben Amorim brings back Victor Lindelof while much of the Bilbao threat could come from the Williams brothers.
Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United
United are in the building...
It may only be as a substitute, but Amad Diallo’s return is a big boost tonight for United.
Back in the game. pic.twitter.com/z3wuBnEoxw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 1, 2025
Athletic Club line-up
Athletic XI: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Jauregizar, Galarreta; Inaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Sannadi.
Manchester United team news
So Shaw is on the bench and Victor Lindelof starts today in the only change to our predicted XI. It is not a line-up Athletic Bilbao are likely to be particularly worried by, but what Ruben Amorim does have tonight is a strong bench to call upon, with De Ligt, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mount and Amad poised to make an impact if required.
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