'Good for them' - Pundit highlights what United were good at versus Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final San Mames Stadium on Thursday.

Casemiro gave United the lead at the half-hour mark before captain Bruno Fernandes scored a brace to become the competition’s joint-top scorer this term.

It marked the first time United had scored three first-half goals in a knockout stage away game in a major European competition since the 1965/66 season.

It was also their biggest away win in the semi-final of a major European competition. Pundit Alejandro Moreno has highlighted why United beat Athletic, name-checking the roles of five players.

He told ESPN FC: “They were very good at sticking to what they are – a counter-attacking team early on during the match and beyond that.

“They were very efficient, very effective, always dangerous through (Alejandro) Garnacho and Fernandes getting the ball in transition, finding the outlet and passes.

“While (Rasmus) Hojlund did not score, he threw himself around and made himself a physical presence, and to some degree, he was dangerous to the extent that Dani Vivian had to take him down.

“There are certain things Man United did well – Casemiro and (Manuel) Ugarte were good, but we have not always seen this from them.

“This team has struggled all season but got it right in this game, and it also coincided with Athletic not playing at the highest level and with a red card, which they took advantage of.

“Good for them, and they have to see it out at home.”

United must not be complacent in the second leg

United have put themselves in a good position to qualify for the final, holding a three-goal advantage ahead of the second leg.

However, they must be focused at Old Trafford next week. Their complacency led to a 10-man Lyon overturning a two-goal deficit in the quarter-final second leg.

United must learn from that and prepare adequately for the reverse fixture. Athletic are still a dangerous side despite losing at home, and United should not allow them to stage a comeback.

With the right mentality and preparation, United should be able to book their place in the final.

Article written by Henry Thornton .