Manchester United delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
After a shaky opening 20 minutes, United took control of the game, scoring three goals in a remarkable 15-minute spell.
Casemiro broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal in the 30th minute.
VAR then awarded a penalty to United after Dani Vivian denied Rasmus Hojlund a clear goal-scoring opportunity, resulting in a straight red card.
Captain Bruno Fernandes kept his cool to double United’s lead and then struck again just before the half-time whistle.
In the second half, United dominated possession, stifling any hopes of a Bilbao comeback.
The two teams will meet again at Old Trafford on May 8, with a spot in the final on the line.
Player Ratings
Andre Onana – 7/10
The Cameroon international made a vital save with the game still goalless and enjoyed a quiet evening thereafter.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
Lindelof carelessly gifted possession to Nico Williams in a dangerous area but redeemed himself swiftly with a vital block to deny a near-certain Athletic goal.
Harry Maguire – 9/10
The England international produced a brilliant piece of play at right-wing to set up United’s opener.
Leny Yoro – 7/10
The 19-year-old delivered a composed and mature display in left centre-back position.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7/10
Mazraoui delivered a disciplined display and nearly added a fourth for United, only to see his thunderous effort crash off the crossbar.
Patrick Dorgu – 7/10
The young defender struggled early on, caught out of position and allowing Inaki Williams space on the left flank.
He grew into the game, improving in the second half and setting up a chance for Garnacho.
Casemiro – 9/10
The veteran bailed out Lindelof with a crucial recovery interception on Nico Williams.
He ignited United’s momentum by ghosting to the far post and clinically heading them into the lead.
Manuel Ugarte – 7/10
Ugarte endured an abysmal first 30 minutes but bounced back with a vital flick for Casemiro’s goal.
He then showed sharp awareness, setting up Fernandes with a clever backheel for United’s third.
Bruno Fernandes – 9/10
The United captain was nothing short of magnificent tonight.
He exhibited remarkable composure to convert the penalty and then displayed his brilliance by lifting it over the goalkeeper for his stunning second goal.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7/10
Garnacho burst in behind the Bilbao defence to score, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
He surprisingly faded after the break.
Rasmus Hojlund – 8/10
Hojlund arguably made the most significant impact, winning the penalty and forcing Vivian to be sent off with a red card.
His link-up play was much better tonight.
Substitutions
Mason Mount – 6/10
Mount picked up a yellow card for a tactical foul.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7/10
He made his return from a foot injury and ensured United claim a clean sheet.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
A camero in the left wing-back spot. He founded Garnacho and Fernandes with two good crosses.
Kobbie Mainoo – NA
Too late to rate.
Amad Diallo – NA
Too late to rate.
