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Bruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United claimed a shock 3-0 away win against 10-man Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
The result stunned the home crowd at the Estadio de San Mamés, where the LaLiga side had been unbeaten since August and boasted Europe’s tightest home defence.
United broke through on the half-hour mark with a moment of creativity: Harry Maguire, surging down the right, delivered a sharp cross to the near post that Manuel Ugarte flicked on for Casemiro to head home.
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In a match reported by Sky Sports, the tie turned dramatically seven minutes later when Rasmus Højlund was pulled down by Dani Vivian as he chased a low cross in the six-yard box.
After a VAR review, the defender was sent off and a penalty awarded. Fernandes stepped up and converted calmly to double United’s lead.
Athletic Club responded with two substitutions, but United’s momentum continued. Fernandes made it 3-0 before the break, finishing clinically from Ugarte’s inventive backheel.
United managed the second half with composure, maintaining control and keeping the hosts at bay. Casemiro nearly added a second, heading against the post from a corner, while Julen Agirrezabala was called into action to deny Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
There was more good news for United as Amad Diallo returned from injury, coming off the bench to make his first appearance since early February.
Despite the commanding result, United head coach Ruben Amorim urged caution:
“The result is really good, but we struggled at the start. The goal and red card changed the game. We need to stay focused because the same scoreline can happen at Old Trafford.”
He also praised Maguire, saying: “Everything Harry does right now is good for the team.”
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