Manchester United took a big step towards the UEFA Europa League final with a brilliant 3-0 win over Athletic Club, ending the Spanish side’s perfect home record in the tournament.
The final will be held at Athletic’s own stadium, San Mamés, but United showed they’re determined to be the ones playing there. Alejandro Garnacho thought he’d given United the lead early on, but his goal was ruled offside. Athletic responded quickly, with Berenguer forcing a save and Iñaki Williams heading just over the bar. Casemiro saved United with a key clearance before Victor Lindelöf blocked two important shots.
At the other end, United struck first. Harry Maguire, playing out wide, turned his man inside out and crossed the ball. Manuel Ugarte flicked it on, and Casemiro headed it in. Things got worse for Athletic when Dani Vivian pulled back Rasmus Højlund and was sent off. Bruno Fernandes calmly scored the penalty to make it 2-0.
Athletic made two changes, but just before half-time Fernandes scored again with another cool finish to make it 3-0. Mazraoui hit the bar just before the break, and after half-time United were happy to sit back and control the game while the home fans grew frustrated. Ugarte had a long shot saved and Casemiro hit the post with a header.
United kept pushing, with Fernandes and Garnacho both denied late on, but the job was already done. It was United’s first 90-minute win in eight matches and puts them in a strong position for the final. They also handed Athletic just their second defeat in 11 games — the other was against Real Madrid — making it tough for the hosts to reach the final in their own stadium.
