In a stunning display of dominance, Manchester United took a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Estadio San Mamés on Thursday night. Under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils delivered a clinical performance that has all but secured their place in the final, leaving the Basque side with a monumental task in the return leg at Old Trafford.
The match began with Bilbao showing early promise, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and an impressive pre-match light show that set an intimidating atmosphere. Iñaki Williams and Alex Berenguer tested United’s defense in the opening exchanges, but a crucial block from Victor Lindelöf and a comfortable save by André Onana kept the score level. Despite Bilbao’s pressure, United’s clinical edge shone through. In the 30th minute, Harry Maguire, momentarily transforming into a winger, showcased quick footwork on the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross. Manuel Ugarte flicked the ball on, and Casemiro headed home from close range to silence the San Mamés faithful.
Bilbao’s night unraveled five minutes later when a VAR review turned the tide decisively in United’s favor. Rasmus Højlund was dragged down by Dani Vivian in the penalty area, resulting in a red card for the Bilbao defender and a penalty for United. Bruno Fernandes stepped up, coolly slotting the ball past Julen Agirrezabala to double the lead. Just before halftime, Fernandes struck again, capitalizing on a sublime backheel from Ugarte to curl a precise finish into the bottom corner, leaving Bilbao shell-shocked at 3-0 down and a man short.
The second half saw United maintain control, with Bilbao struggling to mount a comeback. Fernandes nearly completed a hat-trick, his long-range effort whistling just over the bar, while Noussair Mazraoui rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike. Bilbao’s attempts to claw back were feeble; Iñaki Williams’ low cross was easily collected by Onana, and Nico Williams, a pre-match concern for United, was largely anonymous. The home side’s frustration was palpable, with fans looking rueful at the final whistle as their team’s unbeaten home record in this season’s Europa League campaign came crashing down.
Amorim’s tactical nous was evident throughout, with United’s eight defensive starters defying expectations to dismantle La Liga’s tightest defense. Casemiro’s commanding presence in midfield, coupled with Fernandes’ brace and Maguire’s inspired performance, earned high praise. Rio Ferdinand singled out Fernandes for his “nonchalance” following a lengthy injury lay-off, while Amorim hailed the team’s ability to push forward after the opening goal. The return of Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt to the squad, though not in the starting lineup, added further optimism for United’s campaign.
For Bilbao, the absence of midfielder Oihan Sancet disrupted their rhythm, and the early red card compounded their woes. Ernesto Valverde’s side, sitting fourth in La Liga, now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in Manchester. Despite their proud European history, including reaching the Europa League final in 2012, Bilbao’s hopes of returning to the final at their home stadium on May 21 hang by a thread.