Bruno Fernandes delivered a stellar performance with a brace as Manchester United stunned Athletic Club 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at San Mames, handing the Spanish side their first home defeat since August.
United broke through Europe’s tightest home defence with a ruthless first-half display that saw them go three goals up before the break.
The opening goal came in the 30th minute when Harry Maguire, in an uncharacteristic attacking move, dribbled down the right flank and delivered a sharp cross into the box.
Manuel Ugarte expertly flicked the ball into Casemiro’s path, and the Brazilian midfielder made no mistake with his header.
The game turned decisively in United’s favour just seven minutes later. As Rasmus Hojlund surged towards a low cross in the six-yard box, he was pulled back by Dani Vivian.
After a VAR review at the pitchside monitor, the referee awarded a penalty and sent the Athletic defender off. Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double United’s lead.
Athletic Club responded with two quick substitutions in an attempt to regain control, but United remained relentless.
Fernandes struck again before the break, guiding the ball into the net after a smart backheel from Ugarte, sending the Premier League side into half-time with a commanding advantage.
The second half saw a more measured approach from United, who focused on managing the game and preserving their clean sheet.
Casemiro nearly added a second goal when his header from a corner crashed off the post. Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho also tested goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, who was kept busy throughout the match.
There was further encouragement for the visitors as Amad Diallo returned from injury, making his first appearance since early February, coming off the bench in the closing stages.
Reflecting on the result, Fernandes acknowledged the game’s turning point, “The result is really good. But we have to understand it too – we struggled a lot at the start. The goal and red card changed the game, but that’s a good thing with a little bit of luck. We kept ourselves in the game, and anything can change with the right situation.”
He added a note of caution ahead of the return leg, “We had the chances to score one more, but this is not done. The same result can happen at Old Trafford, and we need to be prepared.”
On Maguire’s impressive contribution to the opening goal, he remarked: “We all have moments where everything we do in our lives seems wrong, and everything Harry does right now is good for the team.”
The midfielder also noted the importance of staying focused, “Of course it’s a great start, to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet. All the pressure will be on us, everyone’ll be expecting us to go through. We need to prepare properly, and if we do that we’ll give ourselves a great chance. One foot in the final, but it’s not done.”
With a commanding first-leg lead, United return to Old Trafford next Thursday with one eye on the final, but Fernandes’ words reflect a team keen on finishing the job with the same intensity.
