Europa League: Bruno Fernandes inspires Man Utd's SF first-leg win

Bilbao, May 2 (IANS) Manchester United earned an emphatic victory away against the ten men of Athletic Club in Bilbao, leaving them well-placed to seal a UEFA Europa League final place at Old Trafford next Thursday

Bruno Fernandes scored twice to help Manchester United to a dominant first-leg victory at ten-man Athletic Club.

Cheered on by a fervent home crowd, who hope to see the final played in their own San Mames Stadium, Athletic started strongly, pressing United high up the field and creating decent chances.

Andre Onana pushed Alex Berenguer's early shot wide, before Inaki Williams headed over when he should have hit the target.

Williams then found space on the right and pulled the ball back for Berenguer, whose shot was cleared off the line.

The scoreline changed in the 30th minute when Harry Maguire appeared in unfamiliar territory on the right wing and crossed for Casemiro to nod home.

In the 35th minute, Alejandro Garnacho seemed to control the ball with his hand, but the referee allowed play to continue and when the ball went across the Athletic area, Rasmus Hojlund went down.

There was a long VAR check, after which the referee awarded United a penalty and sent off Vivian, leaving the home side with 10 men and 2-0 down after Bruno Fernandes slotted home the spot kick.

Athletic was still reorganizing when Fernandes made it 3-0, latching onto Manuel Ugarte's through ball to score the third of the night.

The home side was clearly unhappy with the refereeing, and in the second half, played with more heart than head, while United was able to control the play and take advantage of the extra man.

Casemiro saw a header graze the post and Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala made two good saves to deny Fernandes his hat-trick, but United will feel they have almost done enough to start thinking about a return visit to Bilbao for the final on May 21.

"We have an advantage and we have our fans, but again this could change. Anything can happen in one game. Experience in the squad? You can feel it, especially in the beginning. It's a semi-final, so these kind of players, like Casemiro, Harry [Maguire] and Bruno Fernandes help us a lot," United coach Ruben Amorim told TNT Sports.

--IANS

bc/