The Reds have one foot in the Europa League final. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manchester United boast a healthy three-goal lead approaching the interval against Athletic Club tonight.
Goals from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, the latter being on the scoresheet twice, have the Red Devils ready to enter cruise control at the Estadio San Mames – and it’s just the first half of the sides’ two-legged Europa League semi-final tie.
Whatever scoreline United finish the night with, they will look to add to and/or defend in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford this time next week, after which they could return to the Spanish stadium for the final on May 21.
Casemiro had some choice words for out-of-sorts Manuel Ugarte
It was nothing short of a turbulent start to the game prior to the Reds’ opener, with Bilbao unrelenting in their attacks and United left scrambling to cover all bases.
At one stage, Rio Ferdinand – as revealed on TNT Sports’ commentary – heard Casemiro ‘absolutely screaming’ at Manuel Ugarte to ‘wake up’. The Uruguayan lost possession 11 times in the first half and committed one error leading to an opponent’s shot.
How Ugarte instantly made up for early errors
However, he certainly took heed of his senior counterpart’s advice, as he proceeded to assist Casemiro for the opener before setting up the skipper with a superb backheel pass on the edge of the area, allowing Fernandes to dribble past his man and slot the ball past Julen Agirrezabala.
With two goal contributions to his name in 45 minutes, Ugarte earned himself the second-highest Sofascore rating of any Red for the first half with a 7.9. Unsurprisingly, Fernandes has taken the top spot with an 8.7.
Alas, it’s safe to say Ruben Amorim will be absolutely delighted with the display his men have conjured up in such a high-stakes contest.
