Full speed ahead Bilbao? Not quite, but even the most pessimistic of Manchester United fans will admit it’s advantage United heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.
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In a crazy first half, Man Utd actually started shakily, consistently giving the ball away in defence.
After some brilliant work by Harry Maguire of all people on the wing, his cross met Manuel Ugarte who headed it across for Casemiro to finish and thereafter United were in control.
The game swung further in United’s favour once Rasmus Hojlund was brought down in the box leading to a red card for Athletic Club and Bruno Fernandes slotting a penalty home.
Before the mad half finished, Fernandes added another as the Red Devils went into half time 3-0 up playing against 10 men.
The second half plan was simple: nothing silly. United saw out the second 45 minutes professionally, not allowing Athletic Club a goal and keeping the ball, firmly taking control of the semi-final.
On a brilliant night that was meant to be nervy, here are five things we learnt from the match:
1. Galactico Casemiro
Even during the opening shaky 30 minutes, Casemiro was the player not putting a foot wrong and tidying everything up.
Manuel Ugarte, Victor Lindelof and others would give the ball away? Casemiro stepped in to win the ball back.
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Many had written the Brazilian off, labelling him as ‘finished’ or ‘old’. Whilst he may not be the starting central midfielder for Man Utd next season, his guile, experience and big game management is something that Man Utd can still use.
He was the star player in a mesmeric comeback vs Lyon, he was the MVP again in Spain.
2. Inevitable Bruno Fernandes
So often the saviour and talisman, Bruno Fernandes is the one player Man Utd have counted on since his arrival.
There was pressure on him when stepping up to take the penalty, if that hadn’t gone in, the tie would’ve still been nervy, but write Bruno Fernandes off at your peril.
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He tormented Athletic Club throughout after gaining control of the game and had the confidence to slot a second home.
Through chaos, pressure and uncertainty, Bruno Fernandes is always the one who can be counted on.
3. Penalty and Card changed the game
In the Europa League, Man Utd just find more space and more gaps in opponents defences.
Against Real Sociedad and Lyon, United had to cope with their attacks and it may not feel like it now, but the same happened for the opening 30 minutes.
The difference is, in the Europa League at least Man Utd have players who can trouble defences similar to how players can trouble theirs.
Alejandro Garnacho ran and ran at Athletic Club. Patrick Dorgu bought foul after foul.
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So, when another chance was presented with a whipped low cross into the box and Rasmus Hojlund was brought down, Athletic Club were another goal down and crucially a man down.
The incident knocked the stuffing out of the Spanish side and they never recovered.
4. Mature Second Half
Lord knows Man Utd have made a mess in European fixtures whilst having the lead, think of the anxiety-inducing Champions League campaign last season (Copenhagen, Galatasaray).
A goal from Athletic Club in the second half would’ve ignited the stadium and fans, despite a few edgy moments, United managed the second half well enough to come away with a 3-0 lead.
Similar maturity and professionalism will be required at Old Trafford next week, but managing the second half was just as important as gaining the advantage in the first.
5. Get the Job Done
You just never know with football, and you never know with this chaos-loving Man Utd side.
The result and performance could not have gotten better, perhaps another goal scored would’ve put the game beyond doubt but it is set up perfectly for Man Utd to get the job done at Old Trafford.
But crucially, the job isn’t finished yet, there is still 90 minutes of football to play.
The ball is in Man Utd’s court with the tie fully in their hands, go back to Manchester next week, do not relinquish control of the tie and secure a deserved place in the final.
It sounds simple, but it never seems to be with this football club.
Irrespective, this was billed as a very difficult game for Man Utd and they’ve made light work of it in a barmy 45 minutes.
Manchester United have one foot in the final, all that’s left is for them to ensure nothing crazy happens.
A golden chance to put the demons of the Europa League Final in 2021 to bed looks very much on.
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