Manchester United stormed into pole position for the Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 away win over Athletic Club in Thursday night’s semi-final first leg, thanks to a ruthless first-half performance led by captain Bruno Fernandes and midfield anchor Casemiro.
Under the floodlights of a buzzing San Mamés, the Red Devils silenced the home crowd early with a clinical display of European football. Casemiro broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, ghosting in at the back post to convert from close range. The momentum swung sharply in United’s favor just five minutes later when Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Rasmus Højlund. Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted the resulting penalty, despite the deafening whistles from home fans.
Moments before the halftime whistle, Fernandes struck again, capitalizing on a clever flick from Manuel Ugarte to slot in United’s third and effectively seal the tie. It was a night where United’s struggling Premier League form was replaced by continental class, as they maintained their unbeaten record in Europe this season.
Athletic Club, hoping to reach a Europa League final that will be played at their own stadium on May 21, were left reeling from United’s early onslaught and never recovered. Despite early chances from Inaki Williams and pressure from the home crowd, they were unable to capitalize. Victor Lindelöf’s heroic goal-line clearance kept United in front before the visitors took control.
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Referee Espen Eskås had to consult the pitch-side monitor before awarding United the penalty, determining Vivian had denied Højlund a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Fernandes showed no nerves under pressure, and the third goal moments later felt like the final blow to Bilbao’s ambitions.
The result underlines a striking contrast in Manchester United’s season. While they flounder in the Premier League, facing the possibility of their lowest-ever points finish, they continue to thrive in Europe. They’ve now scored more goals in the Europa League in 2025 than in their entire domestic campaign so far, with manager Ruben Amorim guiding them to more European wins than league victories since taking over.
Casemiro nearly added a fourth late in the second half, but his header rattled the post. Still, the damage had been done. Statistically, the odds are overwhelmingly in United’s favor: all 133 teams in Europa League or UEFA Cup history to win a first-leg away tie by three or more goals have gone on to qualify.
With one foot firmly in the final, Manchester United now return to Old Trafford knowing that only a collapse of historic proportions can deny them a shot at European glory.