Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Radamel Falcao (30) have scored more goals in the Europa League than Bruno Fernandes (27, level with Romelu Lukaku)
Manchester United took a giant stride toward the UEFA Europa League final with a powerful 3-0 away victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés, breaking the Basque side’s perfect home record in the competition and silencing a raucous crowd with a performance full of fire and clinical execution.
With the final set to be played in Bilbao’s iconic stadium, Athletic had dreams of lifting the trophy on home soil. But Bruno Fernandes and company had other ideas, as the Red Devils made a bold statement under head coach Rúben Amorim, controlling proceedings and executing a near-perfect tactical plan.
Garnacho’s Early Effort Denied, Athletic Respond with Fire
Manchester United came flying out of the blocks and nearly opened the scoring inside the first five minutes through Alejandro Garnacho, who slotted past Julen Agirrezabala, only for VAR to chalk off the effort for a marginal offside.
The early let-off jolted Athletic into life. They surged forward with purpose, carving out a pair of chances. Álex Berenguer forced a smart save from André Onana before whipping in a cross that Iñaki Williams met with a glancing header that sailed just over the bar.
But for all their attacking intent, the hosts lacked the finishing touch. Victor Lindelöf stood firm at the back, making crucial blocks to deny both Williams and Berenguer again in a frantic spell.
Maguire the Creator, Casemiro the Finisher
While Athletic pressed high, it was United who broke the deadlock—via an unlikely route. Harry Maguire, deployed in a rare wide role for tactical flexibility, drove down the flank and twisted Mikel Jauregizar inside out before floating in a teasing cross. Manuel Ugarte met it and cushioned a header across goal, where Casemiro rose unmarked to nod it home at the back post.
The goal sent a wave of silence across the home crowd and gave United the confidence they needed to take control of the tie.
Casemiroooooo pic.twitter.com/z0Pb7tEfZX
— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
Fernandes Strikes Twice as Red Card Changes the Game
Just minutes after the opener, the match turned completely in United’s favor. Rasmus Højlund made a clever run into the box and was dragged back by Dani Vivian, leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot and show the Athletic defender a straight red card.
Bruno Fernandes, never one to flinch under pressure, stepped up and dispatched the penalty with composure, sending Agirrezabala the wrong way to double United’s lead.
Bruno Fernandes from the Spot pic.twitter.com/PocFh5j9vX
— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde reacted with two quick substitutions in an attempt to restore some shape and urgency, but they were undone again before the break. Fernandes picked his moment, drifting into space and calmly finishing after a well-constructed United attack for his second of the night.
The Portugal international’s double all but ended the contest before halftime, as Manchester United went into the dressing room with a 3-0 lead and a man advantage.
Bruno Fernandes what a finish
Man United lead by 3 goals pic.twitter.com/AtPCvH43P5— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
Second Half Control and Near Misses
United came out in the second half with less urgency but no less control. They focused on ball retention, stretching Athletic’s tiring 10 men across the pitch, and waiting for openings.
Noussair Mazraoui came close to making it 4-0 just before halftime with a blistering shot that rattled the crossbar, but United didn’t push too hard for more after the restart, content with managing the tempo.
Ugarte and Casemiro both had long-range efforts, with the Brazilian forcing a save and then striking the post with a header from the resulting corner. Agirrezabala also denied Fernandes a hat-trick with a strong late stop, and Garnacho saw a driven effort well saved as United pushed for a fourth.
Despite a few half-chances from the hosts, United were rarely troubled, comfortably seeing out the final minutes to register a first win in 90 minutes across all competitions in their last eight outings.
Key Stats and Performances
-
Bruno Fernandes stole the show with two goals, including a crucial penalty and a composed second just before halftime.
-
Casemiro was dominant in midfield and grabbed his second goal in three Europa League knockout games.
-
Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire were rock solid at the back and key contributors to the build-up play.
-
The result marked Athletic Club’s first home defeat in the Europa League this season and only their second loss in their last 11 matches in all competitions.
Manchester United’s commanding three-goal advantage puts them firmly in control of the tie heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. With a Europa League final berth in reach, the Red Devils have shown they are more than ready to finish the job—and perhaps lift their second Europa League trophy in seven years.
READ NEXT:
