Manchester United are potentially just 90 minutes away from reaching this season's Europa League final after a thumping 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim's side, who have endured a poor domestic campaign but continue to perform in European games, now possess a comfortable aggregate lead ahead of next week's return leg.
Casemiro broke the deadlock after United initially weathered a storm from the hosts in Bilbao, before Daniel Vivian was dismissed for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund that resulted in a penalty being awarded.
Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot and then added a third for United shortly afterwards, all before half-time. They struck the bar and the post either side of the break and at times it seemed like Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala was a one-man band keeping it even semi-respectable.
Athletic Club player ratings vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
Player | Rating |
|---|---|
GK: Julen Agirrezabala | 6.6/10 |
RB: Oscar de Marcos (c) | 6.4/10 |
CB: Daniel Vivian | 4.6/10 |
CB: Yeray Alvarez | 6.0/10 |
LB: Yuri Berchiche | 6.3/10 |
CM: Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta | 5.6/10 |
CM: Mikel Jauregizar | 5.3/10 |
RM: Inaki Williams | 6.0/10 |
AM: Alex Berenguer | 6.3/10 |
LM: Nico Williams | 6.1/10 |
ST: Maroan Sannadi | 6.5/10 |
SUB: Aitor Paredes (42' for De Marcos) | 6.1/10 |
SUB: Andoni Gorosabel (42' for Berenguer) | 6.7/10 |
SUB: Benat Prados (46' for De Galarreta) | 6.4/10 |
SUB: Unai Gomez (79' for N. Williams) | 6.1/10 |
SUB: Alvaro Djalo (87' for I. Williams) | N/A |
Subs not used: Unai Simon (GK), Adama Boiro, Inigo Lekue, Unai Nunez, Mikel Vesga, Peio Canales, Gorka Guruzeta.
Man Utd player ratings vs Athletic Club (3-4-2-1)
Player | Rating |
|---|---|
GK: Andre Onana | 7.8/10 |
CB: Victor Lindelof | 7.7/10 |
CB: Harry Maguire | 7.0/10 |
CB: Leny Yoro | 7.3/10 |
RM: Noussair Mazraoui | 8.0/10 |
CM: Manuel Ugarte | 8.7/10 |
CM: Casemiro | 8.8/10 |
LM: Patrick Dorgu | 7.3/10 |
AM: Alejandro Garnacho | 6.6/10 |
AM: Bruno Fernandes (c) | 9.4/10 |
ST: Rasmus Hojlund | 7.9/10 |
SUB: Matthijs de Ligt (65' for Maguire) | 6.3/10 |
SUB: Mason Mount (65' for Ugarte) | 6.6/10 |
SUB: Luke Shaw (74' for Mazraoui) | 6.4/10 |
SUB: Amad Diallo (84' for Dorgu) | N/A |
SUB: Kobbie Mainoo (84' for Garnacho) | N/A |
Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Tom Heaton (GK), Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, Tyler Fredricson, Christian Eriksen, Bendito Mantato.
Player of the match - Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
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