Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after smashing Athletic Club 3-0 in Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim’s side hoped to emerge from an intimidating atmosphere at San Mames with something to take back to Old Trafford next week, but they could not have expected a three-goal lead.
The home side started well, and Andre Onana and Victor Lindelof were forced to intervene to prevent an early Athletic Club lead.
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But in the 30th minute, great work from Harry Maguire on the wing, of all places, saw the ball find its way to Casemiro’s head and into the net for a goal against the run of play.
And just two minutes later, United were awarded a penalty after Rasmus Hojlund was brought down, captain Bruno Fernandes making no mistake from the spot.
With a two-goal lead and the wind in their sails, the Red Devils sought a third and found it just before half-time.
Manuel Ugarte, who had assisted Casemiro’s opener, found space for a clever backheel to Fernandes, and the midfielder slotted past Unai Simon to put United 3-0 ahead and in dreamland.
Athletic Club will travel to Old Trafford on Thursday with the faint hope of overturning a three-goal deficit, but the Spaniards will be without a key player for the trip.
Defender missing for Athletic Club
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VAR intervention was required to award United their penalty, with defender Daniel Vivian’s pull on Hojlund’s shoulder initially ignored by the referee.
The video assistant recommended a review, and the referee was quick to point to the spot once being sent to the screen.
And there was a further blow to come for the La Liga club, with the referee producing a straight red card for Vivian, who was judged to have denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
The red card will see Vivian miss the second leg in England, with Aitor Paredes the likely replacement for the 25-year-old.
Vivian has been ever-present for Athletic Club in recent months, and his suspension will serve as a boost for Manchester United.
