Manchester United Dominate First Leg in Bilbao
Manchester United took a giant stride toward the UEFA Europa League final with a dominant 3–0 away win over Athletic Club at San Mamés, delivering a first-half blitz that left the Basque side stunned and outmatched. Goals from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes — the latter scoring twice — wrapped up a perfect night for Rúben Amorim’s side, who now head into the second leg at Old Trafford with one foot firmly in the final.
Early Pressure Weathered Before Manchester United Take Control
Despite a roaring home crowd in Bilbao and a couple of early chances for the hosts, United stayed composed under pressure and took full advantage of a red card that changed the game. Inaki Williams had missed a golden opportunity to give Athletic the lead, and Alex Berenguer saw a shot dramatically cleared off the line by Victor Lindelöf. But after that wake-up call, the momentum shifted entirely in United’s favour.
Casemiro Opens the Scoring
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Harry Maguire — playing with confidence and vision on the right flank — whipped in a cross that was flicked into the path of Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder, arriving late in the box, made no mistake as he buried a header past the keeper to give United a vital away goal.
Bruno Fernandes Doubles the Lead from the Spot
Just minutes later, the night unravelled further for Athletic Club. A clumsy challenge by Dani Vivian on Rasmus Højlund inside the area saw the referee initially wave play on, but VAR intervened. After a review, the penalty was awarded and Vivian was shown a red card, reducing the hosts to ten men. Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home the spot-kick, silencing the hostile crowd and doubling United’s lead.
Fernandes Strikes Again Before Half-Time
Fernandes continued his dominance On the stroke of half-time, Manuel Ugarte produced a clever flick in midfield to send the captain through, and the Portuguese playmaker kept his cool once again to finish neatly and make it 3–0 before the break. It was a clinical half of football that stunned the home supporters and left Athletic staring at an uphill battle.
Manchester United See Out the Second Half Comfortably
The second half saw United manage the game effectively. Casemiro came close to adding a fourth, clipping the outside of the post with another header. Though United did not add to their tally, the damage had already been done. Athletic offered little in response, their numerical disadvantage and United’s control of possession keeping them pinned back for large periods.
Fernandes Leads the Way as United Eye Europa Glory
Bruno Fernandes’ performance was the standout of the night, as he continues to be the talisman in United’s Europa League journey. His brace took him to seven goals in the competition this season — the most by any United player in a single Europa League campaign — and drew him level with Romelu Lukaku on 27 career goals in the tournament. Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Radamel Falcao have scored more in the competition’s history.
One Foot in the Final as Manchester United Return to Old Trafford
This result provides a major lift for a United side whose domestic form has fallen well below expectations. With Champions League qualification via the league looking increasingly unlikely, the Europa League represents not just a chance at silverware but also a crucial route back into Europe’s elite competition. With Tottenham also winning their semi-final first leg against Bodø/Glimt, the prospect of an all-English final is now a real possibility.
The return leg at Old Trafford awaits, and with a 3–0 lead, United will be favourites to finish the job. For now though, this commanding performance — full of discipline, clinical finishing and big-game leadership — serves as a reminder of what this squad is still capable of when it all clicks.
