Manchester United defeated 10 Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first league of the UEFA Europa League in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League at San Mamems on Thursday evening (May 1). Casemiro’s opener was added by Bruno Fernandez Braces, and Daniel Vivian received a red card in the first half for his LaLiga outfit.
Homeside started the dominant game and quickly roamed from the first whi. The Spaniards were closer to opening up scores on multiple occasions, but were unable to apply the final touches to some of the presentationable opportunities.
Manchester United took the lead against the run of play, so their abundant ability in front of the goal came back to bite them on the 30-minute mark. Harry Maguire’s cross from the right wing was flicked by Manuel Ugarte and met Casemiro at the back post.
It got worse for the athletic club just a few minutes later, as Vivienne beat Rasmus Hojlund in the box. The referee awarded Manchester United a penalty after consultation with the VAR and gave Vivian a march order to deny the opportunity to score goalscoring. Fernandez sent a penalty to the lower right corner with a conventional coolness, doubled his team’s lead in the 37th minute.
Visitors are not yet complete, adding a third right to the halftime stroke. Ugarte insisted his second night’s assist as his delicate flick sent Fernandez neatly in the finish, and the Manchester United skipper found the bottom corner in another composition finish.
For all the dramas in the first half, the second was a much more calming event. Manchester United could have retained most of their possessions and expanded their advantages without much pressure from the Spanish enemies.
The rest of the game was played without much incident. The Reuben Amorim man regained an invaluable three-goal advantage for Manchester ahead of Old Trafford’s second leg.
That memo has an exciting rating of the Manchester United players in the first round of the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United Player Rating:
Andre Onana: 6/10
Onana made an important save early on his side under intense pressure and did not lower his concentration level even if the work was easier. What he’s certain of his athletic club free kicks was seeing him notch another clean sheet.
Victor Lindelof: 7/10
Lindelof was excellent at the ball and completed the most pass (97) in the game. The Swedes were always trying to move forward with Manchester United putting intelligent balls from behind.
Harry Maguire: 8/10
Maguire made an important offensive and defensive contribution before taking off in the second half. The centre-back showed quick feet to the right wing in the build-up for the first goal, and was solid in the back as well.
Rennie Yoro: 6/10
Yoro provided a guaranteed defensive performance, performing five heals and three clearances, and dealing well with Inaki Williams’ pace and power. The French picked up the late yellow card for a half-foul of his own.
Noussair Mazraoui: 7/10
Mazlawi often linked with Lindelof to deny Nico Williams’s great threat on the athletic left field. The Moroccans made the most tackle (4) in the game before taking off (4). He also approached the score with a powerful shot fired from the crossbar in the first half.
Manuel Ugarte: 8/10
Ugarte initially struggled to deal with the athletic physicality in the middle, but he grew into the game and had a huge impact. The Uruguiron set two goals in addition to six recovery before being abolished midway through the second half.
Casemiro: 8/10
In addition to scoring the opener, Casemiro scored the most duels (10) in the game, with seven heals in an eye-catching midfield display.
Patrick Dorg: 5/10
Dorg was an aspiring runner for the future, but sometimes he guilty of ignoring his duty to defend. Denmark’s international was a constant threat to the sides, especially after the number of hosts fell to 10.
Bruno Fernandez: 9/10
Not only did Fernandez score two goals, but the United Skipper also created the most chances in the game (3) and ran the show from his advanced midfield position.
Alejandro Garnacho: 5/10
Garnacho’s display as one of Manchester United’s two number 10 was hardworking, but not of quality. Argentina found themselves in some promising positions, but was unable to offer the final product in front of the goal. He also picked up a yellow card just before he took off.
Rasmus Hojlund: 6/10
He wasn’t on the ball very much, but Hozilund used his pace and physicality to only a handful for the opposition’s defense. Dane scored a penalty on the second goal, which had a good effect on the pitch.
Alternatives:
Matthijs de ligt: 5/10
De Ligt came back from the injury layoff and helped his side see the victory with minimal fuss.
Mason Mount: 5/10
The mount was full of energy during its time on the pitch, covering many of the ground. He picked up an appointment to pull back Malone Sannady.
Luke Show: 5/10
Shaw swapped Mazrawi in the second half before slotting in the back of the left, quietly roaming his business, putting some probe cloths in the box.
Amad: 5/10
Amado’s return from a long injury was a welcome addition to Manchester United, with the Iborian showing some nice touches in his short time on the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5/10
Mainoo was brought in for the final few minutes to watch the game.
Edited by Arshit Garg
