Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final with a dominant 3-0 first-leg win over Athletic Bilbao, capitalising on a dramatic first-half turnaround at the San Mames Stadium.
The hosts began brightly in front of a passionate crowd and could have taken an early lead. Inaki Williams headed over from a promising position, and Victor Lindelöf made a crucial block to deny Alex Berenguer’s goal-bound effort.
But the momentum shifted completely on the half-hour mark. Harry Maguire showed surprising skill on the right flank before delivering a cross that was flicked into the path of Casemiro, who headed home to open the scoring.
Seven minutes later, the game took a further turn in United’s favour. Following a VAR review, Bilbao defender Dani Vivian was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Højlund inside the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, silencing the home crowd.
United weren’t done yet. Just before half-time, a clever flick from Manuel Ugarte released Fernandes, who clinically slotted home his second of the night to give the visitors a commanding lead.
The second half saw United continue to threaten, with Casemiro nearly grabbing a fourth as his header clipped the outside of the post. Despite not adding to their tally, Erik ten Hag’s side return to Old Trafford with a significant advantage.
Athletic Bilbao face a daunting task in the second leg, needing a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit.
With Tottenham also securing a 3-1 win over Bodø/Glimt in the other semi-final, the stage is set for a potential all-English Europa League final.
