Man United take giant step to Europa League final

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Athletic Club 0 - 3 Manchester United 

Manchester United took a commanding step towards the Europa League final after a blistering first-half display against ten-man Athletic Bilbao gave them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.

Author - Olivia T

Stadium - San Mamés

Europa League | Man United players celebrate v Athletic Club

In a fervent atmosphere, United were fortunate not to fall behind early on. Iñaki Williams headed over from a promising position before Victor Lindelöf made a crucial goal-line block to deny Álex Berenguer.

The match shifted in the 30th minute. Harry Maguire, operating on the right, showed composure and vision to deliver a cross that was flicked on for Casemiro, who rose to head United in front.

Seven minutes later, the visitors tightened their grip. A VAR review confirmed a foul on Rasmus Højlund by Dani Vivian, resulting in a penalty and a red card for the Bilbao defender. Bruno Fernandes silenced the hostile crowd with a calm finish from the spot.

READ MORE: MUFC news and stories from European Super Football

United were not done. Just before half-time, Manuel Ugarte’s intelligent flick released Fernandes, who slotted home confidently for his second and United’s third.

Rúben Amorim’s team threatened to extend their lead after the break. Casemiro, excellent throughout, grazed the outside of the post with a header from a corner. Although a fourth goal never came, United’s three-goal cushion will be difficult for the Basque side to overturn in the second leg.

With Tottenham having beaten Bodø/Glimt 3-1 in their own semi-final first leg, the prospect of an all-English final is beginning to take shape.

United players weren't intimidated by the atmosphere

Introducing Harrydinho

Harry Maguire appears to be saving his best performances for the Europa League.

Following his dramatic 121st-minute winner as an emergency forward against Lyon in the quarter-finals. The Manchester United defender played a key role in a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final. 

It was Maguire’s unexpected dribbling and precise cross that set up Casemiro’s header to open the scoring. 

The move drew comparisons to Brazilian great Ronaldinho, with some on social media even dubbing the 32-year-old ‘Harrydinho’.

Location: Bilbao, Biscay, Spain

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