United crush Bilbao to move within reach of Europa League final

BILBAO, Spain: Manchester United produced a commanding first-half display to earn a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg, putting them firmly on course for the final.

In a vibrant San Mamés stadium, Casemiro opened the scoring in the 30th minute, arriving unmarked at the back post to silence the home crowd. Just five minutes later, Bilbao’s hopes took a huge blow when Daniel Vivian was shown a red card for fouling Rasmus Højlund in the box. Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty with ease.

Fernandes struck again soon after, finishing off a swift counter-attack to give United a three-goal cushion by half-time. The hosts, dreaming of a European final on home soil, were unable to mount a comeback with ten men in the second half.

Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League, they’ve found relief in Europe, and this result gives them a strong advantage heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.

“One foot in the final, but it’s not done,” said Harry Maguire post-match. “We need to prepare properly and finish the job.”(Reuters)