Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes inspires dramatic Europa League semi-final win | OneFootball

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Europa League triumph won't save Man United's season, insists Amorim

Three first-half goals helped Manchester United put themselves on the cusp of the Europa League final on Thursday, with the Premier League side earning a 3-0 semi-final first leg win away at Athletic Bilbao.

In a raucous San Memes atmosphere, with supporters dreaming of a first-ever European trophy, veteran midfielder Casemiro arrived at the back post to give the visitors the lead 30 minutes in.

United, who are having a miserable season domestically, were given another boost five minutes later as Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for fouling Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area and Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting spot kick.

The United fans high in the top tier were in dreamland moments later as captain Fernandes raced through to put the seal on a victory, and perhaps even the tie, before the interval.

Bilbao, who have the added incentive that the final will be hosted at their own stadium on May 21, could not muster a response in the second half with depleted numbers, leaving United to coast to the most unlikely first-leg success.

Amorim: 'This tie is not over'

I think they have to think about the second leg," Amorim said of his message to United's players.

"And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough.

"There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players, and we have to think now about Brentford and then the second leg."

Asked if that was United's best performance since taking charge in November, the United head coach said: "No, I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result.

"But, again, I think you saw two games today - the first 25 minutes and then after the goal, and also with the sending off the game changed.

"That was a good thing, also a good thing in the second half was we tried to be cautious.

"We create chances but the most important thing is that the opponent didn't get many shots to our goal and that was really important."

Tottenham deliver for Ange Postecoglou but late twist is a warning for what’s to come

United could well be up against Tottenham in the Europa League final, based on tonight’s results. Here’s is how Spurs got on in their semi-final first leg:

Tottenham deliver for Ange Postecoglou but late twist is a warning for what’s to come

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt: Spurs have one foot in the final ahead of their trip to the Arctic Circle next week

Lawrence Ostlere1 May 2025 22:50