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.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United: Latest Europa League updates
- Athletic Bilbao host Manchester United in first leg of Europa League semi-final
- Athletic XI: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Jauregizar, Galarreta; Inaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Sannadi
- Man Utd XI: Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Hojlund
- 3 min: Alejandro Garnacho's early strike ruled out for offside (Athletic 0-0 Man Utd)
- GOAL! Athletic Club 0-1 Manchester United (Casemiro, 30)
- RED CARD! Dani Vivian (Athletic Club)
- GOAL! Athletic Club 0-2 Manchester United (Fernandes, 37 pen)
- GOAL! Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United (Fernandes, 45)
- Full-time: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
Amorim: 'This tie is not over'
23:42
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Lawrence Ostlere
Ruben Amorim told his players that the job is not done despite Manchester United taking a giant step towards the Europa League final with a memorable away win at 10-man Athletic Bilbao.
A return to San Mames for the May 21 showpiece against Bodo/Glimt or, more likely, Tottenham is within touching distance having seen out an early storm against a side desperately seeking to reach the final at their stadium.
Athletic flew out the blocks but imploded after Casemiro put United ahead in the 30th minute, with Bruno Fernandes keeping his cool to score from the spot after Dani Vivian saw red for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund.
The nerveless captain added another before the break to complete a 3-0 win for the Red Devils, who head into next Thursday's reverse fixture in complete control of the semi-final.
Bruno Fernandes is United's talisman
23:11
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Lawrence Ostlere
He’s been exceptional:
Bruno Fernandes in the Europa League:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 1, 2025
Most assists in competition history (18)
⚽️ 3rd most goals in competition history (27)
Unreal. pic.twitter.com/gdeQckDaHx
Tottenham deliver for Ange Postecoglou but late twist is a warning for what’s to come
22:50
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Lawrence Ostlere
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:
Harry Maguire: 'The tie is not done'
22:37
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Lawrence Ostlere
"Of course it's a great start, to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet," United defender Harry Maguire told TNT Sports.
"All the pressure will be on us, everyone will be expecting us to go through. We need to prepare properly, and if we do that we'll give ourselves a great chance.
"One foot in the final, but it's not done."
Man United crush Athletic dreams in Bilbao on best night of Ruben Amorim’s reign
22:16
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Lawrence Ostlere
A few hundred metres from the Guggenheim Museum, Manchester United painted an unlikely, unforgettable picture of their own. It felt more surrealist than modern art but a team who had been failing and floundering at home, who risked being officially the worst United side in decades, entered one of the most intimidating atmospheres any of them will encounter, went 3-0 up in the first half of a European semi-final and dominated. Nothing, Ruben Amorim had said, could save their season, but that was before the best night of his reign, before a return to the Champions League, which once looked a pipe dream, felt all too real. Before this.
Read Richard Jolly’s report from San Mames:
'You have to feel for Athletic'
22:02
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senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
Magnificent night for Manchester United, the best of Ruben Amorim's reign. They are the only unbeaten side in Europe this season, but few can honestly say this scoreline coming. To do it in a semi-final, under such pressure, was really impressive.
Have to feel for Athletic, though. Trophies probably do mean more to clubs who rarely win them and a final on their own ground seemed to offer a wonderful opportunity. Instead, they will be hosts but not winners. It all turned in 16 minutes and while the red card was probably the correct decision, it was also cruel.
Full-time: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:56
,
Lawrence Ostlere
What an incredible night for Manchester United. They have one foot in the Europa League final.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:52
,
Lawrence Ostlere
90 min: There will be four minutes added on, and United look the most likely to score right now.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:49
,
Lawrence Ostlere
87 min: A grumpy Inaki Williams is replaced by Alvaro Djalo.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:45
,
Lawrence Ostlere
84 min: United’s evening just got even better, because Amad Diallo is back on the pitch for the first time since February. He replaces Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo replaces Patrick Dorgu.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:43
,
Lawrence Ostlere
82 min: Bruno Fernandes tries his luck from 25 yards out, hitting a first-time shot towards the bottom right corner where Agirrezabala gets across to parry the ball clear.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:41
,
Lawrence Ostlere
80 min: Unai Gomez replaces the disappointing Nico Williams.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:38
,
Lawrence Ostlere
76 min: Mount is booked for a clear trip, and the home fans cheer ironically.
'Both teams want it to end'
21:36
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senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
Maybe both sides want it to end now, albeit for very different reasons. So far the second half has been a non-event, though it would be hard to be more eventful than the first.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:35
,
Lawrence Ostlere
74 min: Mazraoui, who has been very good at right wing-back, is replaced by Luke Shaw. Dorgu will switch sides.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:34
,
Lawrence Ostlere
72 min: Mount is hacked down in midfield and United will have a free-kick about 40 yards from goal. Bruno floats it deep to Casemiro, but the Brazilian’s header spoons harmlessly into the goalkeeper’s grasp.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:32
,
Lawrence Ostlere
68 min: Athletic are making some terrible decisions on the ball. Inaki Williams drives forwards and it’s suddenly three on three, but he ignores his brother on the left and plays the wrong pass to the other side, where United snuff out the attack.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:27
,
Lawrence Ostlere
65 min: Ruben Amorim makes two changes: Maguire and Ugarte are off, Mount and De Ligt are on.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:26
,
Lawrence Ostlere
64 min: Woodwork! Casemiro leaps high at the front post and heads a Bruno corner against the outside of the upright.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:23
,
Lawrence Ostlere
61 min: Ugarte tries a shot from range but it’s straight at the goalkeeper.
'What does Amorim do now?'
21:19
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Senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
It's fair to guess Ruben Amorim's pre-match planning probably didn't include what to do when 3-0 up against 10 men and with much of the match still to play. Go for a fourth? Sit on the lead? Rest players?
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:17
,
Lawrence Ostlere
54 min: United want another penalty and it’s almost a carbon-copy of the earlier incident which saw Dani Vivian sent off. Garnacho seemed to be impeded going for the ball in the six-yard box. This time, though, the referee waves play on and VAR doesn’t even stop to check it.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:12
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Lawrence Ostlere
50 min: Oddly it’s 10-man Athletic dominating the ball right now. United have been a bit sloppy at the start of this half, and Ruben Amorim is urging his players to keep their concentration.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:10
,
Lawrence Ostlere
47 min: Athletic have come out with a much more solid shape, playing a 4-4-1 with a deep block. They must be hoping to pinch this half 1-0 and keep the tie alive.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
21:08
The second half is under way, and Valverde has made another change. Ruiz De Galarreta is off and Prados is on.
Half-time: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
20:57
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Lawrence Ostlere
Several Athletic players air the frustrations at the referee at half-time, while the fans rain down fury from the stands. They are unhappy with the penalty and red card, presumably, but it is hard to defend Dani Vivian there. He didn’t try to play the ball and he clearly got a piece of Hojlund’s shirt, so the referee’s hand was forced. The red card rule does feel quite harsh though in that situation – did Athletic really deserve to lose a goal and a player for that one foul?
Vivian didn’t even gain much – if he’d watched Hojlund’s finishing this season then he might have let the striker have a free shot instead.
Half-time: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
20:53
,
Lawrence Ostlere
What an incredible half of football for Manchester United. Athletic have capitulated and the tie is almost over already.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United
20:52
,
Lawrence Ostlere
45+4 min: Mazraoui gets hold of the ball on the edge of the box and lashes a shot against the bar – so close!
GOAL! Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United (Fernandes, 45 min)
20:48
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Lawrence Ostlere
This is unbelievable. Ugarte plays a clever flick into the path of Fernandes running into the box, and the captain makes no mistake, slotting past Agirrezabala and into the corner.
Athletic Club 0-2 Manchester United
20:45
42 min: Ernesto Valverde makes two substitutions in reaction to the wild events of this first half. Captain De Marcos and the dangerous Berenguer are replaced by Gorosabel and Paredes.
'Extraordinary'
20:42
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Senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
An extraordinary few minutes for United. Suddenly, they have one foot in the Europa League final. Although they were 2-0 up against Lyon. And they did play against 10 men in the Lyon game. Neither went quite according to plan.
GOAL! Athletic Club 0-2 Manchester United (Fernandes, 37 pen)
20:40
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Bruno Fernandes steps up and calmly rolls the ball into the corner of the net after a familiar hop-run-up. Incredible composure inside a raucous, furious San Mames!
RED CARD! Dani Vivian (Athletic Club)
20:38
,
Lawrence Ostlere
And Vivian is sent off! He was denying a goal-scoring opportunity without trying to play the ball, and so the rules state he must go. Wow.
Penalty to Manchester United!
20:37
,
Lawrence Ostlere
What a couple of minutes for United. Mazraoui’s cross is heading for Hojlund in the six-yard box when the striker goes down under contact from his marker. The referee doesn’t notice it, but VAR does and it’s awarded after a pitch-side check!
GOAL! Athletic Club 0-1 Manchester United (Casemiro, 30)
20:34
,
Lawrence Ostlere
What a goal this is! Harry Maguire is forward after a set-piece and he makes a brilliant run down the right wing, twisting back and forth before swinging in a dangerous cross. Ugarte flicks it on to the back post where Casemiro heads home powerfully, and United lead.
'Lindelof playing his part'
20:32
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Senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
A word for Victor Lindelof, who probably would not be starting if any of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt or Luke Shaw were fully fit but who has made a terrific goal-line clearance and started pretty well. Lindelof is likely to leave United this summer and at times it has seemed as if his time at Old Trafford was petering out. Not in a game like this, whatever happens.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:30
,
Lawrence Ostlere
28 min: Hojlund flicks a header for Garnacho to run in behind, but the winger is offside.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:27
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Some pictures from a helter-skelter first 25 minutes:
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:23
,
Lawrence Ostlere
22 min: Bruno picks out Maguire at the back post but the centre-back is offside.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:22
,
Lawrence Ostlere
20 min: Garnacho is brought down in the Athletic half and United will have a free-kick from distance, and perhaps a chance to launch a ball into the box. Bruno Fernandes stands over it...
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:21
,
Lawrence Ostlere
19 min: Athletic hit United with a direct pass into their weak spot, behind the wingbacks, as Inaki Williams drives into space vacated by an advanced Dorgu. But Williams’ dangerous low cross is cleared away and United escape.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:19
,
Lawrence Ostlere
17 min: Almost a catastrophic mistake by Lindelof, who is caught on the ball and loses it. Athletic break quickly but Casemiro races back to make a crucial interception in the box.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:18
,
Lawrence Ostlere
15 min: Ugarte dribbles down the left and wins a throw-in in Athletic’s half. United are enjoying a brief spell with the ball, much to the annoyance of the home supporters, who whistle.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:16
,
Lawrence Ostlere
12 min: Sannadi tries to take on Maguire but the defender stands his ground and pinches the ball, before earning a free-kick. Good defending.
'An intimidating atmosphere'
20:14
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Senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
It is seriously loud here, which was an issue during the (supposed) minute's silence for Pope Francis. Otherwise, however, it is creating an intimidating atmosphere. Manchester United have actually started quite well, looking unworried by it all. Bruno Fernandes has provided a couple of lovely passes and Andre Onana has made a fine save. But if Athletic score, it will get still louder.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:13
,
Lawrence Ostlere
9 min: Huge chance for Inaki Williams! Berenguer crosses perfectly into Williams’ path, but the striker fires over the bar from about eight yards with a free header. He at least should have worked Onana there.
Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:11
,
Lawrence Ostlere
5 min: A chance for Athletic, as Berenguer strides forward and fires a low shot towards the left corner, but Onana stretches out a glove to divert it around the post.
No goal! Athletic Club 0-0 Manchester United
20:08
,
Lawrence Ostlere
3 min: An almost brilliant start by United, as Alejandro Garnacho is flicked through on goal and he finishes ruthlessly. But the flag goes up immediately, and VAR confirms the decision after a brief check. Garnacho went just too soon.
Athletic Club v Manchester United
20:02
,
Lawrence Ostlere
A moment’s silence for the Pope is pretty much ignored by most of the crowd. It’s not clear if they failed to get the message, or got it and ignored it.
Anyway, here we go. Bruno Fernandes will kick off.
Athletic Club v Manchester United
19:59
,
Lawrence Ostlere
The players are out on the pitch, listening to the Europa League theme tune before shaking hands. It’s a ferocious atmosphere inside the San Mames, and quitening the crowd with a bright start feels key for United tonight.
Athletic Club v Manchester United
19:53
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Kick-off is moments away. Can United keep their incredible European run alive? Or will Athletic prove a challenge to far? We’re about to find out...
Ruben Amorim says Alejandro Garnacho key to gameplan
19:44
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Lawrence Ostlere
Amorim tells TNT Sports that he must be careful with Amad and De Ligt, who are on the bench tonight.
He adds, on United’s tactical approach: “We just focus on the way they defend, they press high so we can use the pitch behind, we have players to do that, especially Garnacho.”
Nothing will save our season but this is huge, says Amorim
19:40
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Here’s Ruben Amorim talking before the game, suggesting this competition could be key to the club's immediate future, both on and off the pitch.
"Everybody knows (the game against Bilbao) it is really important for our season," Amorim told reporters on Wednesday.
"We know that nothing is going to save our season but this can be huge, winning a trophy and also to get into the Champions League.
"To have those games next year could change a lot of things in our club, even in the summer."
'This could transform United's season'
19:29
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Senior football correspondent Richard Jolly at San Mames
Bilbao has been a sea of red and white today. Don't think I have ever been in a city where so many people are wearing one team's shirt. The San Mames is a sizeable ground, but surely not big enough for all of those who were in Bilbao gear on the streets today. It does, though, highlight what a big game this is for the club who will host the final and who have won a solitary trophy in the last four decades. In another sense, however, it matters more for Manchester United: Athletic are likely to qualify for the Champions League anyway. United will not but Europe could transform their season. Ruben Amorim brings back Victor Lindelof while much of the Bilbao threat could come from the Williams brothers.
Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United
19:23
,
Lawrence Ostlere
United are in the building...
19:10
,
Lawrence Ostlere
It may only be as a substitute, but Amad Diallo’s return is a big boost tonight for United.
Athletic Club line-up
18:56
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Athletic XI: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Jauregizar, Galarreta; Inaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Sannadi.
Manchester United team news
18:52
,
Lawrence Ostlere
So Shaw is on the bench and Victor Lindelof starts today in the only change to our predicted XI. It is not a line-up Athletic Bilbao are likely to be particularly worried by, but what Ruben Amorim does have tonight is a strong bench to call upon, with De Ligt, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mount and Amad poised to make an impact if required.
Manchester United line-up
18:49
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Man Utd XI: Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, De Ligt, Fredricson, Shaw, Kamason, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Mantato.
Pre-match team news
18:32
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt have travelled to Bilbao after recovering from injury but are not fit enough to start. United remain without Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez while Diogo Dalot has joined the injury list and Chido Obi is not able to feature in Europe.
Athletic Bilbao’s top scorer Oihan Sancet has been ruled out of the first leg. Spain’s No 1 goalkeeper Unai Simon has not played regularly in the Europa League this season but could start ahead of Julen Agirrezabala. Star man Nico Williams is fit.
Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United
18:31
,
Lawrence Ostlere
So line-ups will be dropping shortly. A reminder of team news...
Is Athletic vs Manchester United on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Europa League semi-final
18:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United will be out to upset Athletic Club’s Europa League dream as Ruben Amorim’s side travel to Bilbao for the first leg of the semi-finals.
Bilbao will host the Europa League final at the San Mames on May 21 and the Basque side will be desperate to try and win a first European honour at their home stadium.
Standing in their way is a Manchester United team who have underperformed in the Premier League this season but could rescue their campaign by lifting the trophy.
United kept their hopes alive thanks to an extraordinary comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals, with the chance to qualify for the Champions League a further incentive.
Athletic are fourth in Spain’s LaLiga, quite the contrast to United’s lowly position of 14th in the Premier League table. Here’s everything you need to know.
The unique problem Athletic Bilbao must overcome to fulfil Europa League dream
17:45
,
Miguel Delaney
Much like a lot of Athletic Bilbao right now, Nico Williams isn’t playing anything down. Their season is obviously building up to one huge game, and they are hoping it isn’t just a Europa League semi-final with a historic club like Manchester United.
“The dream is to lift the cup in San Mames,” Williams says, articulating the mood of a nation. Athletic’s home stadium will host the Europa League final, as the fan-owned team enjoys one of their best periods for 40 years. “We have a chance to make history in this club,” Williams added.
The sense of Bilbao almost serving as a European capital of football for the next few weeks is only furthered by the fact Athletic first take on United in a semi-final of immense stakes.
Nico Williams on Athletic's Europa League dream
17:25
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Jamie Braidwood
Nico Williams helped deny England continental glory last summer and is now looking to prove the scourge of Manchester United as the Athletic Bilbao star looks to fulfil his dream of lifting the Europa League on home turf.
"Lifting the trophy in San Mames - every kid dreams of that," Athletic's outstanding player said as Athletic seek to reach their first European final since 2012.
"Everyone dreams of playing European championships. Lifting a trophy with Athletic is something unique and now is a very good opportunity to write history. Hopefully we can get there but the dream is never ending."
Manchester United boosted by return of key duo ahead of Europa League semi-final
17:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt travelled to Spain for Manchester United’s crunch Europa League semi-final at Athletic Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim’s men are preparing for Thursday’s first leg at San Mames, where the Red Devils hope to return for the May 21 showpiece against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.
United have been boosted ahead of the season-defining semi-final by the return of Diallo and De Ligt.
The former has been laid low since February after sustaining ankle ligament damage that had made him touch and go to play again this season.
De Ligt has been out for a month with an issue of his own, missing United’s last six matches in all competitions.
"To start, no (they are not ready)," Amorim said. "But they can be in the squad for the game."
Athletic Bilbao are Man United's toughest test yet
16:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United are the only team in Europe to be unbeaten in a European competition this season but Athletic Bilbao are their toughest challenge yet.
"They are really strong as a team, really intense, really aggressive - even for a Spanish team they are aggressive in every duel," Ruben Amorim said.
"They have great players one v one. Nico Williams is a special player. They are the best defence in Spain in the league.
“We are not scoring too many goals, so it's going to be a tough match for us."
'The history of United is written with titles'
16:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte shared the belief of manager Ruben Amorim, saying: "As the head coach said, this is not going to save the season.
"But the history of United is written with titles, so that's why we're focused very much on tomorrow and to be able to play in the Champions League next season, so it's very important and altogether we're going to try and win."
Ruben Amorim: 'Nothing is going to save our season'