It was expected to be a nervy night for Manchester United against a defensively solid and adventurous Athletic Club in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg.
Instead, what followed was beyond every United fan’s wildest dreams as the visitors roared to a 3-0 away win thanks to three first-half goals that shocked the San Mames crowd into silence.
Casemiro headed home the first of the night after inspired wing-play from Harry Maguire, who can do no wrong at the minute.
The second of the night was a controversial one as Rasmus Hojlund won a penalty after a lengthy VAR check. It was a clear trip when the Dane was about to meet the ball and the referee showed Dani Vivian a straight red for the foul.
Three goals in the first-half
It was the right decision by the letter of the law and given United have been penalised quite frequently this season, it was nice to see VAR favouring the Red Devils for once.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the other way to double United’s advantage before adding a third with a sumptuous dink over the keeper at the stroke of half-time.
United could have scored a couple more with Casemiro’s header hitting the post while Noussair Mazraoui also struck the upright but the 20-time English league champions will be delighted to take a three-goal advantage to Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s decision to play his skipper in the attacking midfield position was what changed the game. He could have chosen to play his compatriot in a deeper role as he has often done.
But he showed bravery and the club captain repaid it with a virtuoso display. His clever flick saw Alejandro Garnacho score early on, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Few expected such a result
The Spanish side did not know what to do with Fernandes, as he dropped deep at times to dictate play, while always finding those pockets of space to hurt Athletic Club.
United finally looked like the club they are meant to be, a giant of the game capable of winning games with ease, as they often did under the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scoring thrice against a team who have conceded only 10 goals in all competitions at home showed a glimpse of what Amorim is trying to build here.
And barring a calamitous collapse, Amorim and his men are expected to return to this cathedral for the final on May 21.
Feature image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
