Manchester United have one foot firmly in the Europa League final after a commanding 3-0 away win over Athletic Club in the semi-final first leg at San Mamés, the same stadium set to host the final later this month.
United delivered a clinical first-half display that stunned the home fans and left the Basque side with a mountain to climb.
Casemiro opened the scoring with a close-range header after 30 minutes, punishing Athletic for their earlier missed chances.
Bruno Fernandes added two more goals before the break, exploiting gaps in the home defence and effectively killing the tie.
Athletic Club’s woes were compounded when defender Daniel Vivian was sent off just before halftime for a reckless challenge, leaving them a man down and facing the prospect of exiting the competition on their own turf.
The game could have gotten worse for the hosts as United struck the woodwork twice and forced several fine saves from their goalkeeper. Garnacho thought he had opened the scoring early, but his goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.
Despite a spirited early spell from Athletic, including chances for Berenguer and Williams, United’s backline—led by Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire—held firm. Lindelöf’s crucial goal-line clearance kept the game level before United took control.
With this dominant result, Erik ten Hag’s side is now firmly on course to book their place in the final. The return leg at Old Trafford promises to be little more than a formality.
