Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao proved to be a defining night in the Red Devils’ European campaign, as Bruno Fernandes led the charge in a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory away at San Mamés.
Playing with confidence, control, and composure, United all but sealed their place in the UEFA Europa League final, making the return leg at Old Trafford a mere formality.
This clash was billed as a tough test against a side unbeaten at home in Europe this season. But United rose to the occasion in style, scoring three first-half goals and capitalising on a red card to Athletic’s Dani Vivian.
Now unbeaten in the competition, United are dreaming of Europa League glory—and with it, a potential return to Champions League football next season.
Fernandes Inspires as United Dominate in Bilbao
Manchester United’s skipper Bruno Fernandes was the standout performer in a game that showcased everything new manager Ruben Amorim has been building towards. Fernandes scored twice—including a coolly converted penalty—and assisted the third in a ruthless attacking display.
Casemiro opened the scoring on 30 minutes with a well-timed header following a clever flick-on from Manuel Ugarte, but it was Fernandes who stole the spotlight, especially after netting United’s second goal from the spot following Vivian’s foul on Rasmus Højlund. The decision, confirmed after a VAR review, also saw the defender sent off, leaving Bilbao with ten men and their fans furious.
Just before the break, Fernandes struck again, finishing high into the net after linking up brilliantly with Højlund and Ugarte. Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao was effectively over as a contest by half-time.
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Amorim’s Tactical Masterclass Pays Off
United manager Ruben Amorim called this his best result since taking charge, and rightly so. Despite a shaky first 25 minutes in which Bilbao created a few openings—forcing saves from André Onana and nearly scoring through Iñaki Williams—Amorim’s men kept their shape and punished every defensive error.
The decision to start Harry Maguire at right-back proved an inspired one. It was Maguire’s cross that led to the first goal, and his defensive presence helped nullify Bilbao’s wide threat. Amorim also deployed Noussair Mazraoui and Ugarte in key roles to great effect, and United’s midfield looked balanced and fluid throughout.
Bilbao Left Frustrated and Outclassed
For Athletic Bilbao, the night couldn’t have gone much worse. San Mamés, often called “The Cathedral”, is a place where big teams typically struggle, but the hosts found themselves second-best for most of the match. The red card to Vivian left them chasing shadows, and even when they did threaten through Williams or Berenguer, United’s backline stood firm.
Their misery was nearly compounded as United struck the post through Casemiro, and Fernandes had a late chance for a hat-trick saved. By full-time, the feeling in Bilbao was one of deflation and disbelief, with the second leg set to be a mere formality unless a miracle occurs.
Match Stats Snapshot
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Possession: Athletic Bilbao 47% – Manchester United 53%
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Shots on target: Bilbao 3 – United 6
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Goals: Casemiro 30′, Fernandes 37′ (pen), 45′
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Red cards: Dani Vivian (Bilbao)
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao may have been a semi-final, but it felt like a final—at least in terms of United’s focus and execution. Their hunger, discipline, and ruthlessness were all on full display.
What This Means for United
With this result, manchester United remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season and are now clear favourites to reach the final. It’s been a rollercoaster of a campaign, but the Europa League has offered both salvation and a shot at silverware for a side looking to rebuild under Amorim.
A trophy here would mark a successful first season for the new manager and secure a backdoor route to the Champions League—crucial both financially and for the club’s rebuilding project.
While manchester United will be expected to rotate in the return leg at Old Trafford, Amorim will likely urge his players to stay sharp and focused. Injuries to key players must be avoided, and momentum maintained as they look to end the season on a high.
The match has become a symbol of progress—proof that Amorim’s tactical system can deliver results at the highest level. If they can maintain this form, there’s no reason why they can’t go all the way in this competition.
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao was a perfect European away performance. Fernandes was sensational, the team was cohesive, and the result was emphatic. Bilbao were outclassed, outnumbered, and out of ideas, and United now have one foot firmly in the Europa League final.
This win not only boosts their trophy hopes but sends a message across Europe—Manchester United are back, and they mean business.
