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.
The duality of Manchester United’s strange season could lead to glorious failure
Lyon’s 10 men had just scored their fourth goal when the cameras were turned on the directors’ box. Sat side by side, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, the chief executive and technical director, were pictures of despondency. A few minutes later, the focus of the television directors was understandably elsewhere. Three goals in eight minutes at Old Trafford had transformed the mood, perhaps the season, perhaps a reign and a regime.
For them, judgement day had been postponed. Until Thursday in Bilbao, or next Thursday against Athletic Bilbao, or maybe a return trip to Bilbao. From Ruben Amorim, however, a verdict has already been delivered. “Nothing is going to save our season,” he said. Yet there was a caveat. “But this can be huge.”
The duality of Manchester United’s strange season could lead to glorious failure
What is the Athletic Bilbao team news?
Athletic Bilbao’s top scorer Oihan Sancet has been ruled out of the first leg. Spain’s No 1 goalkeeper Unai Simon has not played regularly in the Europa League this season but could start ahead of Julen Agirrezabala. Star man Nico Williams is fit.
What is the Manchester United team news?
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt have travelled to Bilbao after recovering from injury but are not fit enough to start. United remain without Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez while Diogo Dalot has joined the injury list and Chido Obi is not able to feature in Europe.
When is Athletic Club vs Manchester United?
The Europa League semi-final first leg will be held at the San Mames, Bilbao on Thursday 1 May. Kick-off is at 8pm UK time (BST).
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage getting underway from 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the match live on Discovery+.
Good afternoon
Manchester United will be out to upset Athletic Club’s Europa League dream as Ruben Amorim’s side travel to Bilbao for the first leg of the semi-finals.
Bilbao will host the Europa League final at the San Mames on May 21 and the Basque side will be desperate to try and win a first European honour at their home stadium.
Standing in their way is a Manchester United team who have underperformed in the Premier League this season but could rescue their campaign by lifting the trophy.
United kept their hopes alive thanks to an extraordinary comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals, with the chance to qualify for the Champions League a further incentive.
Athletic are fourth in Spain’s LaLiga, quite the contrast to United’s lowly position of 14th in the Premier League table.
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