Manchester United may be set for a prompt return to the Estadio de San Mames after they romped to a 0-3 win over a ten-man Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final first leg.
Bruno Fernandes took centre stage once again, scoring a brace as Ruben Amorim’s side took to a commanding lead, but to paint United’s win as a one-man show would be somewhat reductive, as they again enacted a performance which will leave fans scratching their heads, wondering how they could sit on such a low rung of the Premier League. It was a convincing showing from the visitors, who took their chances when required and got a hugely significant result over the line.
It was set to be among the biggest nights in Athletic Club’s history. They were chasing a first-ever European title, and facing the prospect of playing the final at their home stadium. But it soon turned out to be a nightmare first leg as they fell to a three-goal deficit by half-time, United once again proving that they are a totally different team playing on the continent than they are in Britain.
After a cagey opening period, Harry Maguire dug deep in his box of tricks to set up the opener, the stocky centre-back producing rather uncharacteristic twinkle-toes footwork to drop Mikel Jauregizar and play a sumptuous cross into the box, which Manuel Ugarte flicked on for Casemiro to finish at the back post.
And from there, it all unravelled. Rasmus Hoijlund was pulled back in the box by Dani Vivian, the former denied a goalscoring opportunity and the latter sent for an early bath. Bruno Fernandes was totally nonplussed by the whistles and jeers from the home fans as he rolled his penalty into the bottom right corner, and moments later made it three goals before half-time as he finished Ugarte’s through-ball into the same spot.
Athletic Club were all but beaten as the half-time whistle blew, and the fans at the San Mames were not shy as they expressed their frustration towards the officials.
But referee Espen Eskas was unfazed by the insults despite the contentious nature of the second half, keeping a cool head as he navigated a United penalty shout and Athletic Club red card appeal.
All the while, Athletic Club’s capitulation continued. They were never really in contention throughout the second half, creating a handful of half-hearted assaults as they spent more time looking for sympathetic refereeing than incisive attacking football.
United coasted to the finish, doing just enough to neutralise their hosts in the second period. There were none of the fireworks of the Lyon match - just an assured, professional display. Those have been few and far between for United this year.
They will take a considerable advantage into the second leg at Old Trafford as tentative plans will be made for an all-English final.
