Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United: UEFA Europa League result as Bruno Fernandes brace puts Red Devils on cusp of final

Manchester United took a giant leap towards the UEFA Europa League final and Bruno Fernandes scored twice in a brilliant 3-0 road win over Athletic Club in the first leg of their semi-final.

After weathering an early storm which followed an Alejandro Garnacho goal being correctly disallowed for offside, Casemiro headed United into the lead against the run of play following brilliant wingplay from, of all people, Harry Maguire.

If that was a blow to Athletic's momentum, full discombobulation was to come. A VAR review showed Vivian had pulled back Rasmus Hojlund as the forward tried to get on the end of a cross and the end result was a red card and penalty.

United's captain, Fernandes, scored the penalty and scored again on the stroke of half-time after Manuel Ugarte released him with a cheeky backheel, giving United a three-goal cushion.

That three-goal lead will be taken to Old Trafford, though it was almost more as both Casemiro and Noussair Mazraoui hit the woodwork before it was all said and done in Bilbao.

Athletic had won all six of their Europa League games at San Memes this season, but never recovered from the red card and their hopes of playing in the final in their home stadium look to be hanging by a thread.

"The first 20 minutes was difficult," says Maguire, speaking to TNT Sports' Becky Ives.

"The crowd was super loud, the intensity was super high. They came after us, we made a few errors and we looked a bit nervous at times in the first 20 minutes. But I thought the lads grew with the game really well, we weathered the storm and we knew we'd get our chances. We were really clinical in that first half.

"The tie's not done. We'll be ready, we'll be focused at Old Trafford next Thursday for the second leg."

On his pre-assist for the opening goal, Maguire said: "It was nice to do a bit of dribbling out there and obviously put in a great cross ... we had a lot of bodies in the box so they must have trusted me to get that cross in. It was a nice feeling."

United have "one foot in the final", Maguire admits, but insists their guard will not drop.

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Robbie Savage: "Brilliant performance. I think none of us expected a 3-0 scoreline, considering how little goals they [Athletic] concede at home. People will look at the 10 men, but they were magnificent. Man United, totally controlled the game, created chances, and the disappointing thing for them is they could have won by more.

"But what a pressurised night, and they've delivered."

Rio Ferdinand: "You needed a mature performance tonight and that's what we got. You wanted goals, you wanted to put this tie to bed. That's the dream scenario, they got that today, but that was through sheer hard work, as I said, maturity, and capitalising on mistakes and a red card."

A quite brilliant result for Man United, who become the first team to win at San Mames in the Europa League this season. They hold a decisive lead in this semi-final and are very heavy favourites to return to Bilbao in three weeks for the final.

The red card changed the game, but was the correct call, and thereafter the Red Devils punished Athletic ruthlessly – Fernandes in particular.

United just need to avoid a catastrophe at Old Trafford to reach the Europa League final.

Atheletic have a free kick, 35 yards out. Their last chance. Djalo goes for goal, hits it decently, but Onana has time to take two steps and catch.

Gomez rises highest at the back post, but cannot keep his header down.

United have a corner as they hunt for a fourth goal.

Fernades opens his body but directs a Shaw cross over the bar.

Djalo then comes on for Inaki Williams.

He replaces Garnacho, who is booked for being too slow to leave the field.

Mainoo is also on, replacing Dorgu.

They have won all six Europa League games at San Mames this season. Man United will remain the competition's only unbeaten team.

His long-range shot is parried by the goalkeeper, before United recycle and an inviting Casemiro criss is just beyond two players at the back post.

Following a thoroughly frustrating and largely anonymous showing. The red card meant he had very little service though.

Gomez comes on in his place.

Released by Shaw, he battles with Gorosabel and settles for the set piece. It comes to nothing.

Garnacho has been impressive and put in a determined shift without the ball.

Mount is booked for pulling the shirt of Sannadi, which draws a round of ironic applause.

Now up to 37 goals and assists in all competitions this campaign, with 19 goals.

The impressive Mazraoui departs.

Athletic can't get hold of the ball and are yet to fashion a clear chance this half. United are controlling the game well, as you would expect against 10 men.

You can watch this game on TNT Sports 1, the home of the Europa League in the UK. The other semi-final, between Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt, as well as the final will also be shown live on TNT Sports.The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination.

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De Ligt and Mount on for Maguire, who was involved in that controversy a few minutes ago, and Ugarte, who has had a mixed night after a shaky start.