Amorim Cautious of Comeback as Man Utd Takes Charge in Bilbao

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Manchester United edged closer to the Europa League final with a decisive 3-0 victory over a 10-man Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.

The home crowd was incensed when Athletic defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund, leading to Fernandes converting the ensuing penalty kick, after Casemiro had surprisingly opened the scoring against the run of play in the first leg of the semi-final.

Fernandes added a second goal just before half-time, putting Ruben Amorim’s team in a strong position to reach the final, which will take place at Athletic’s San Mames stadium.

The Bilbao supporters had been hopeful of witnessing their team win their first European trophy on home turf, but those dreams were dashed by United’s composed performance in northern Spain, leading to arguments among Athletic fans regarding the officiating.

Sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, Manchester United’s only route to Champions League qualification is through a Europa League victory, along with the substantial £100 million financial reward that comes with it.

Despite a tendency to falter under pressure this season, United – who pulled off a remarkable comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals – managed to hold their ground and assert their dominance in a challenging atmosphere.

Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim cautioned his team to be “prepared” for the return match against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford next week.

“The result is very positive, but we must not forget the context of it,” he told TNT Sports.

“We faced difficulties early, and the red card influenced the match. One incident can change everything. We had a chance to score again. This isn’t over, and they could just as easily turn things around at Old Trafford.”

“They are very strong and assertive. We need to be on our toes. Players with experience like Manuel Ugarte were a little on edge, while Patrick (Dorgu) was anxious. Players like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes are crucial in such situations.”

“We have an advantage due to our fans, but this can change quickly. Anything can happen in a match.”

“We must manage our players carefully ahead of the game against Brentford on Sunday. Noussair Mazraoui is exhausted, and Patrick Dorgu is fatigued—player management is paramount.”

With May 1 marking a public holiday in Spain, Bilbao’s streets were filled with fans in red-and-white strip from morning, ready to celebrate.

The San Mames was alive with excitement as supporters welcomed their local heroes, all of whom were born or raised in the Basque region, in line with the club’s long-standing policy.

Alejandro Garnacho’s early attempt sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

In the opening stages, United had to dig deep to withstand the pressure from the Basque side and their passionate supporters.

Red card shakes hosts

Alex Berenguer forced a solid low save from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, while Inaki Williams narrowly missed with a header.

Victor Lindelof made a crucial block to deny Berenguer after Nico Williams found his brother Inaki, who had been given space on the right wing.

The hosts were on top, and when Casemiro scored for United it came as a shock to everyone.

Equally surprising was how United crafted the goal, with centre-back Maguire surging down the right flank as Mikel Jaureguizar struggled to keep up.

The defender sent a precise cross into the area, which Manuel Ugarte flicked towards the back post for Casemiro, who nodded it in from close range.

What initially looked like a fortunate goal for United soon became a second when Vivian was penalised for dragging Hojlund down as he attempted to reach a cross.

The defender was shown a red card, much to the outrage of Athletic supporters, as Fernandes calmly converted the penalty.

Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde attempted to halt the bleeding with a double substitution, but his team conceded a third goal before the half-time whistle.

Ugarte’s clever backheel set up Fernandes, who dispatched the ball effortlessly into the net.

Noussair Mazraoui rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort as United came close to scoring a fourth before the interval.

The Norwegian referee Espen Eskas and his team faced a barrage of criticism from home fans, as hopes of glory faded.

They expressed their frustration by waving white objects in protest when Maroan Sannadi fell under pressure from Maguire while advancing toward goal, with no foul called.

In the second half, United largely controlled proceedings but failed to add a fourth despite persistent efforts.

“We appeared a bit jittery in the first 20 minutes… but we endured and knew we would get our opportunity,” commented United’s Harry Maguire to TNT Sports.

“The first half was clinical, while the second half was professional… It was a significant victory, but another crucial match awaits us next week.”

The second leg takes place next Thursday at Old Trafford, ahead of the final on May 21 against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.

“He fell very easily at the slightest contact (Hojlund), and unfortunately the penalty was awarded,” noted Inaki Williams.

“We weren’t at our best, so there are no excuses – we are three goals down, but we can still make a comeback.”