Manchester United Claim Perfect Victory Against Athletic Bilbao In UEL Semifinal First Leg

 

Casemiro celebrating scoring the opening goal for Manchester United with his teammates 

Manchester United claimed a clean sheet victory of 3-0 against 10-man Athletic Club (Bilbao). Bruno Fernandez contributed a brace to the tally in the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg tie. 

Athletic are participating in the semi-final for the third time in the club's history since their last time in 2014/15. Meanwhile, United have been bidding for their second Europa League trophy since their last one in 2016/17. Having to win the silverware would compensate for the side's poor run in the season and guarantee a Champions League appearance next season. 

Casemiro set the Red Devils ahead with an opening goal following Harry Maguire's cross that arrived rightly for Manuel Ugarte's header to the Brazilian. Shortly after that, Ramus Holjund drew a penalty after he was dropped in the six-yard box. Fernandez converted the spot-kick, and United were two goals ahead. 

Fernandez darted through to reach Ugarte's spectacular back-heel pass amidst opponents in front of the box and curled a left-footed lob past on-rushing Agirrezabala into the empty net. 

With the goal margin, United extended the goal tally in the Europa League this season to 31, as the club with the highest goals. More so, the Red Devils have not scored 3+ goals in the first half of a major European competition, particularly in the semi-final, since their last in the quarterfinal in 1965/66.

Overview 

Quite unlikely that Harry Maguire would facilitate the build-up to the opening. Notwithstanding, broke the staunch defense of Athletic, leading to multiple goals in the half and a side ripped apart. 

Dani Vivian's dismissal left the side struggling. Holjund would have scored the goal anyway if Vivian had not impeded him, which led to his red card offence. United were able to stem the onslaught from the Spaniards and mount pressure that culminated in a goal. They maintained their composure to keep the lead through the second half. 

Fernandez and Casemiro played key roles in the victory. Ugarte was also prominent in the game, giving assists leading to Casemiro and Fernadez's goals. In a nutshell, United were in good shape and handled the game well.