Manchester United secured a dominant position in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-final with a solid 3-0 victory over Athletic Club, effectively bringing an end to the hosts’ unbeaten home record in this tournament.
The final is set to take place at Estadio San Mamés. The Red Devils were clearly determined to reach the showcase event instead of Athletic, although Alejandro Garnacho’s early strike was disallowed for a narrow offside.
The home side quickly charged forward and narrowly missed an opportunity to take the lead, with Alex Berenguer’s shot being pushed wide and Iñaki Williams heading Berenguer’s subsequent cross just over the bar.
After Casemiro saved the day moments earlier, Victor Lindelöf made two crucial blocks to thwart attempts from Williams and Berenguer.
There was no holding back Manchester United at the other end, as an unconventional play from temporary winger Harry Maguire saw him deceive Mikel Jauregizar, delivering a pinpoint cross that Manuel Ugarte headed towards the back post, where Casemiro was waiting to nod it in.
Things took a turn for the worse for Athletic when Dani Vivian was sent off for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund, giving away a penalty that Bruno Fernandes coolly converted.
Ernesto Valverde reacted with a double substitution in the 42nd minute, but just three minutes later, despair struck San Mamés once more as Fernandes netted his second with another composed finish.
Noussair Mazraoui came agonisingly close with a shot that rattled the crossbar in the dying moments of the first half. The Red Devils demonstrated patience after the break, as Athletic and their fans expressed their frustrations.
A speculative attempt from Ugarte opened the second half’s account, but Casemiro’s long-range effort was tipped over the bar by Julen Agirrezabala shortly after. The Brazilian then hit the post from the resulting corner.
Agirrezabala denied late efforts from Fernandes and Garnacho, but United were largely untroubled as they earned a convincing win, marking their first victory within 90 minutes after struggling through their last eight matches across all competitions. They’ve taken a significant step towards the final.
This result also handed Athletic only their second defeat in the last eleven fixtures, the other coming at the hands of Real Madrid, leaving the Spanish outfit with a challenging road ahead to make it to the grand final they are set to host.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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