Manchester United took a huge step toward the UEFA Europa League final with a ruthless 3-0 win over Athletic Club at San Mamés, ending the Basque side’s perfect home record in the competition.
Although Alejandro Garnacho found the net early on, his strike was ruled out for offside. Athletic nearly capitalized shortly after, with Álex Berenguer testing André Onana and Iñaki Williams narrowly missing with a header.
The hosts threatened again, only to be denied by Victor Lindelöf’s crucial double block.
Manchester United’s breakthrough came from an unexpected source—Harry Maguire, deployed temporarily on the wing, delivered a clever cross which Manuel Ugarte nodded toward Casemiro, who headed home at the far post.
Minutes later, the visitors struck again. Dani Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Højlund, conceding a penalty which Bruno Fernandes coolly converted.
Despite quick tactical changes from Ernesto Valverde, United added a third just before halftime, Fernandes once again finding the bottom corner with precision.
Noussair Mazraoui almost made it four before the break, rattling the bar with a powerful shot.
With a man advantage and a healthy lead, United controlled the second half. Ugarte and Casemiro both tested Julen Agirrezabala from distance, and Casemiro also struck the post. Garnacho and Fernandes were denied late on, but the Red Devils had done enough.
The result hands United their first win inside 90 minutes in eight games and leaves Athletic facing a monumental task in the return leg.
San Mamés, the venue for the final, now looks more likely to host Manchester United than the home side.
