Manchester United delivered a devastating first-leg blow to Athletic Bilbao in the UEFA Europa League semi-final, securing a commanding 3-0 victory in a match defined by late first-half chaos and clinical finishing.
The Premier League giants stunned the roaring Basque crowd at San Mamés, leaving their hosts with a steep uphill task ahead of next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford.
Despite being second-best for much of the opening 30 minutes, United took the lead through Casemiro, who rose highest to nod home a set-piece and silence the home fans.
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Bilbao had threatened early through Inaki Williams and Alex Berenguer, both of whom forced David De Gea into smart saves. But the tide turned dramatically in the 40th minute when VAR intervened in a pivotal moment.
Referee François Letexier overturned his initial decision after a video review, awarding United a penalty and brandishing a red card to Athletic defender Dani Vivian for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up with ice-cold precision to convert the spot-kick and double United’s lead. Moments later, the visitors put the tie virtually out of reach.
Manuel Ugarte’s deft flick sliced open a now-exposed Bilbao backline, allowing Fernandes to storm through and bag his brace with a composed finish past Julen Agirrezabala.
Three goals in a frantic seven-minute spell left Ernesto Valverde’s side shell-shocked and a man down heading into the break.
The second half saw Manchester United manage proceedings professionally, limiting risks and controlling possession against their demoralized opponents.
Agirrezabala produced a few key stops to prevent further damage, but the numbers told the story: United ended with an expected goals tally of 2.58 to Bilbao’s 0.98, underscoring their dominance after Vivian’s dismissal.
This heavy defeat marked Athletic’s worst home loss in European competition since 2018, and their hopes of reaching a first European final since 1977 now hang by a thread.
Meanwhile, United edge closer to their second Europa League final in five years, with the prospect of an all-English showdown looming large after Tottenham’s own first-leg triumph.
Before the second leg, Rúben Amorim’s men will face Brentford in a Premier League clash on Sunday, while Athletic must rally themselves quickly for a heated Basque derby against Real Sociedad – the very side United eliminated in the last 16.
