United's Dominant Night in Bilbao: A European Dream Edged Closer

Manchester United’s triumphant evening in Bilbao was so enjoyable it seems inevitable they’ll return. Standing as the only unbeaten squad among more than 100 in the Europa League over the past eight months, even a loss in the upcoming week wouldn’t spoil their chances of gracing the final at this very stadium—a season with newfound meaning and the potential for a victorious close.

The revered “Cathedral” bore witness to Athletic Club’s downfall as United claimed a decisive victory, rendering the second leg a mere formality. No team had previously conquered this venue in the competition, and Athletic had only let in ten goals across all tournaments; United netted three within just 15 minutes.

Casemiro opened the scoring, followed by two from Bruno Fernandes—the first from a penalty leading to Dani Vivian’s dismissal—dashing the dreams of the home crowd and almost guaranteeing a return visit on May 21 against either Spurs or Bodø/Glimt.

In essence, this was a clinical and impressive display where United resembled the formidable team and club many expect them to be: contenders for a European title that serves as both redemption and a hopeful future, promising them entry to the Champions League. Their performance appeared leagues ahead of their competitors.

Athletic started with vigor, earning the first corner and a rousing cheer within 90 seconds. While United aimed to control the pace, the hosts sought to quicken it. United’s possession wasn’t an offensive platform but a stage for Athletic’s aggressive attempts to stifle and break through. However, this assertive strategy left them vulnerable to counterattacks, and within four minutes, Manuel Ugarte found Alejandro Garnacho in the right channel for a disallowed opener due to offside, which served as a cautionary sign.

This opportunity arose frequently. André Onana thwarted Alex Berenguer’s attempt, Iñaki Williams narrowly missed a header, and Victor Lindelof’s crucial interventions defused further threats. As pressure mounted, United seized their moment just shy of the half-hour mark.

United’s unexpected hero emerged through unlikely contributions. More remarkable than his last-minute header against Lyon, Harry Maguire, channeling his inner Stanley Matthews, silenced San Mamés. In a Ronaldo-esque maneuver, he advanced right, outmaneuvered Mikel Jauregizar, and supplied a cross that Ugarte elegantly redirected for Casemiro’s header into the net. United’s lead swiftly doubled in a matter beyond scoring—a pivotal blow to the host’s hopes.

Exploiting their advantage on the right, United pressed with Noussair Mazraoui, whose cross reached Rasmus Højlund in the box. Accused of diving by Vivian, the defender eventually paid for his transgressions; Højlund’s swift dive was warranted by a clear tug on his shoulder. Referee Espen Eskås, upon revisiting the incident via VAR, awarded a penalty and sent Vivian off.

With Vivian’s exit, Fernandes converted the penalty, seemingly sealing the fate of the match. Williams came close with a wide shot, while United hammered in a third. Højlund’s persistence led to a clever Ugarte flick, allowing Fernandes to finish deftly. United nearly added a fourth as Mazraoui’s shot rattled the crossbar before halftime.

Discontentment lingered into the break, magnifying after an early second-half moment when Maguire’s infringement on Maroan Sannadi was overlooked by VAR, dashing hopes of a balanced game. United remained unfazed, exhibiting control and superiority with a looming threat of further goals. Another penalty shout from Højlund, following contact with Yuri Berchiche, accompanied attempts from distance by Ugarte and Casemiro, the latter striking the post.

Williams sprinted forward shortly after, yet Athletic were spent and defeated, their sporadic chances serving as futile glimpses of last gasp attempts. Meanwhile, for United, the evening couldn’t have unfolded more favorably. It appears their return is all but confirmed.