Casemiro also starred as United took full advantage of a huge refereeing decision to record a 3-0 win in Bilbao
Athletic Club call their stadium the Cathedral and all of Manchester United's prayers were answered as they earned a dream 3-0 win in the semi-final first leg which means they are already making plans for the final.
Ruben Amorim's side weathered an early onslaught and Victor Lindelof had to clear a shot off the line but United grabbed the lead when Casemiro headed home after some surprising yet outstanding wing-play from Harry Maguire. The visitors went from being in a good place to being in dreamland when Dani Vivian pulled Rasmus Hojlund to the floor and after nothing was given by the referee VAR stepped in, giving United a penalty and the defender a red card.
Bruno Fernandes stuck the penalty away and then scored again before half-time, leaving Athletic completely stunned. United decided against going for the jugular in the second half but take a massive advantage back to Old Trafford, which surely even this chaotic side will not be able to let slip.
GOAL rates Man United's players from San Mames…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Made a smart save from Alex Berenguer which was the only shot he had to save as Athletic fluffed their lines before going down to 10 men.
Leny Yoro (7/10):
Kept a cool head amid the early storm and stay composed throughout the second half too.
Harry Maguire (8/10):
He's not just a defender or a centre-forward, he's a tricky winger too. His nifty footwork sliced Athletic's defence open to set up the crucial first goal. Also defended well other than riding his luck when he brought down Maroan Sannadi for a potential red card and Amorim swiftly took him off to keep him out of further trouble but he had already done more than enough.
Victor Lindelof (7/10):
Made two superb blocks when United were under the cosh, including stopping Berenguer's shot on the line. His brave defending made up for some other silly decisions which saw him lose possession.
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Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):
Did well to keep Nico Williams quiet and was effective going forward too, hitting the woodwork with a tremendous strike.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Dispossessed early in the game and suffered amid Athletic's flying start but glanced Maguire's cross to Casemiro for the opener and then played with confidence.
Casemiro (8/10):
A stunning performance all over the pitch, from bailing out Lindelof early on in his own area to heading in the first goal and then commanding the midfield with all his experience and expertise.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
Still didn't look completely comfortable and was too committed up the pitch when he needed to defend deeper.
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Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Scored an offside goal and was United's most dangerous player in the early stages, limiting how much Athletic could attack. Didn't have a tangible impact on the result but his hard work and tenacity was still important.
Rasmus Hojlund (7/10):
Say what you like about him, he was responsible for the moment which turned the tie completely in United's favour, drawing the foul from Vivian which changed everything. Didn't have many opportunities but his off-tbe-ball work was positive.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
Took his Europa League tally to seven goals with his penalty and sweetly-struck second.
Subs & Manager
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
Made a welcome return after a month out and shepherded United through the second half
Mason Mount (5/10):
Should have had a bigger impact given the advantage and picked up a booking.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Got 15 minutes and all he had to do was keep his side in control.
Amad Diallo (N/A):
Came on in the 84th minute, an extra piece of good news on a near-perfect night.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
A late appearance off the bench.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
His side managed the game perfectly and he made sure they didn't do anything silly once they had the advantage.