Manchester United have put themselves firmly on course for the Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao in Spain.
Ruben Amorim’s side delivered a stunning first-leg performance at San Mames, the venue where the final will be played on 21 May.
The Red Devils overcame their Premier League struggles to produce a clinical display that leaves Athletic needing a miracle in next week’s return leg at Old Trafford.
Athletic made a strong start and should have taken an early lead when Inaki Williams headed over from Alex Berenguer’s cross.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice for United to put them in control
Reuters
The hosts were made to rue that miss when former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro broke the deadlock for United.
It was a crucial opener that silenced the passionate Basque crowd and set the tone for what would become a dominant away performance.
The game’s pivotal moment came shortly after when Dani Vivian pulled back Rasmus Hojlund inside the penalty area.
After a VAR check confirmed the infringement, Vivian was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the resulting penalty with characteristic composure.
United’s captain made no mistake from 12 yards, doubling the visitors’ advantage and leaving Athletic with a mountain to climb.
Casemiro scored the first goal for United after fine work from Harry Maguire of all people on the wing
Reuters
The atmosphere inside San Mames turned toxic following these incidents, with referee Espen Eskås bearing the brunt of the home supporters’ frustration.
The mood darkened further when Harry Maguire avoided a red card despite pulling back Maroan Sannadi in similar fashion to Vivian’s offence.
On that occasion, no foul was given, prompting further outrage from the Athletic faithful.
The inconsistency in officiating only added to the hosts’ sense of injustice on a thoroughly disappointing night.
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Bruno Fernandes scored a double including a penalty to put United in control
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Athletic now need a miracle in Manchester next Thursday to overturn the three-goal deficit.
United, meanwhile, look set to return to San Mames later this month for the final, likely facing Tottenham rather than Bodo/Glimt.
Europa League glory would secure much-needed Champions League qualification for Amorim’s side, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League.
For Athletic, a night that began with such hope and excitement ended in an excruciating loss on home soil.
