
Manchester United took a commanding step towards the UEFA Europa League final with a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao in Spain.
The Red Devils burst into life in the first half, with Harry Maguire showing deft footwork on the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that Casemiro headed home to open the scoring.
United doubled their lead moments later after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund by Dani Vivian—who was sent off for the challenge. Captain Bruno Fernandes calmly converted from the spot despite loud boos from the home crowd.
Fernandes struck again just before halftime, latching onto a clever flick from Manuel Ugarte to make it 3-0, putting United firmly in control ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, with Tottenham defeating Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the other semi-final, the stage is set for a potential all-English Europa League final.