Manchester United have successfully clinched a much-needed first-leg win against Athletic Club as the Red Devils head into the second leg next week with a much easier job at hand.
Ruben Amorim’s men took to the field relatively unchanged from their line-up against Bournemouth on the weekend, seeing Victor Lindelof and Manuel Ugarte fielded in place of Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte.
Thankfully for United fans, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo were also prepped and recovered for the occasion in case of being needed off the bench.
Well, right from the off it looked as though United were fired up with Alejandro Garnacho scoring in the sixth minute only to be disallowed as offside.
United fans had to wait another 24 minutes before they saw redemption, with Casemiro turning in a beautiful Harry Maguire cross, headed on from Manuel Ugarte to the Brazilian at the back post to head it home.
Then chaos descended five minutes later as Rasmus Hojlund went down in the penalty box, with VAR not only giving United a penalty, but also deeming the situation a red card offence for centre-back Dani Vivian.
In the drama that surrounded Vivian’s dismissal from the game, Athletic Club left-back Yuri Berchiche was booked for his language, with Bruno Fernandes adding to his goal tally, scoring from the spot.
In no time at all, United were once more on the attack, with Manuel Ugarte once more coming up with an assist, back heeling the ball through to Fernandes who coolly guided the ball into the top right corner, giving Amorim’s men a 3-0 lead going into half-time.
As if that wasn’t enough drama in 15 minutes, Noussair Mazraoui nearly made it four for United going into half-time, hitting the bar as the half drew to a close.
The second half began relatively quietly, with Casemiro determined to join Fernandes on a brace, hitting the post in the 63rd minute.
However, with the exception of some further bookings to Unai Simon, Yeray Alvarez, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and Leny Yoro, with Amad Diallo also returning to the pitch, the second-half was relatively uneventful.
The main thing is United go into the second-leg at Old Trafford with the score advantage, which will feel even better after all the trash talking Athletic Club did leading up to the game.
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Manchester United line up against Athletic Club
GK – Andre Onana – 7.5
Made a strong save in the first half, but was relatively redundant throughout the rest of the game with not much to do. For once Onana looked strong with the ball at his feet, picking out several key passes to build attacking play.
LWB – Patrick Dorgu – 7.5
An incredible showing for the winter signing. Made several threatening attacks on the left flank, suppling some really threatening crosses and unlucky nothing came of them.
CB – Victor Lindelof – 7.5
Whilst Lindelof was relatively unchallenged throughout the game, he looked confident with the ball at his feet.
CB – Harry Maguire – 7.5
Is there anything this man can’t do? His incredible wing play built the attack for Casemiro’s goal and had a solid defensive performance despite having to contain Maroan Sannadi.
CB – Leny Yoro – 7.5
Showed real glimpses of what’s to come from the teenage centre-back. Bailed out United on several occasions with his pace in transition, bringing a calm and composed presence to Amorim’s defence.
RWB – Noussair Mazraoui – 8
Was unplayable, keeping Nico Williams in his pocket all day long. Worked solidly up and down the right flank covering Diogo Dalot’s injury absence, and caused real problems on attack, even hitting the crossbar.
CDM – Manuel Ugarte – 8
Two assists for the Uruguayan tonight with an impeccable back heel to Fernandes for his second goal. Dominated the midfield showing off an impressive partnership with Casemiro.
CDM – Casemiro – 8.5
An amazing showing from Casemiro. Perfect positioning to grab the first goal and unlucky not to make it a brace, an impressive feat for a defensive midfielder. Won the majority of his midfield duels so couldn’t have asked for much more.
LAM – Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Unlucky to have had his early goal disallowed but was strong throughout the game, just not quite as fired up as we usually see from him.
RAM – Bruno Fernandes – 9
Once again led by example, grabbing a brace, unleashing his creativity across the pitch, pulling out long balls and easily should have had a couple of assists to join his goals.
ST – Rasmus Hojlund – 7.5
Had the least amount of touches of any of the United outfielders, however still made his presence known, being a nuisance to the Athletic Club defenders.
Centre Devils Player of the Match – Bruno Fernandes
