Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Report

Scorers: Casemiro 30’, Fernandes 37’ (P), 45’

Red Card: Vivian 35’

Manchester United produced their best European performance of the season to secure a commanding 3-0 win away to Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final. Goals from Casemiro and a Bruno Fernandes brace handed the Red Devils a huge advantage ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford, while ending Athletic’s perfect home record in the competition this season.

First Half – Ruthless Red Devils Seize Control

The hosts almost took the lead after Alejandro Garnacho’s early strike was ruled out for offside, with Álex Berenguer forcing André Onana into action and Iñaki Williams heading over from the ensuing cross. But United struck first with a moment of quality in the 23rd minute – Harry Maguire surged forward down the right, bamboozled Mikel Jauregizar, and crossed for Manuel Ugarte, who teed up Casemiro for a powerful back-post header.

Things quickly unravelled for Athletic from there. Dani Vivian was shown a straight red card for pulling back Rasmus Højlund in the box, allowing Fernandes to double the lead from the penalty spot with a typically calm finish. And before half-time, the United captain made it 3-0 with a sharp left-footed strike following a slick counter-attack.

Noussair Mazraoui almost added a fourth but rattled the bar in stoppage time as the visitors ran riot.

Second Half – United Manage the Match as Hosts Falter

With a three-goal cushion and a man advantage, United eased into control after the restart, while the home crowd voiced their frustration. A speculative effort from Ugarte and a Casemiro header off the post were the closest either side came to adding to the score in a largely low-intensity second half.

Julen Agirrezabala made saves to deny Fernandes and Garnacho late on, but Athletic struggled to seriously test Onana at the other end, managing only a single shot on target after the break.

What It Means

United now return to Old Trafford in full command of the tie and with one foot in the final, which will take place at the same San Mamés stadium. Athletic face a monumental task in the return leg and must score at least three without reply to force extra time.

Key Stats

• Manchester United ended Athletic Club’s 100% home record in this season’s UEFA Europa League.
• Bruno Fernandes netted his 12th and 13th goals of the season across all competitions.
• Casemiro has now scored three goals in his last six UEL appearances.
• United’s first win inside 90 minutes in their last eight matches.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Man Utd vs Athletic Club | UEFA Europa League 2024/25