After a season filled with struggles and doubt, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has taken a huge step toward redemption. On Thursday night, United secured a stunning 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. The match, played at San Mames in Spain, marks a turning point for Amorim’s time in charge—and puts Manchester United on the brink of a European final.
Despite recent domestic troubles, with only six wins in 23 Premier League games, United’s European form remains alive. Thursday’s dominant win gave fans and critics something to celebrate. It was a clear message: Manchester United are not done yet.
United Take Advantage of Bilbao’s Red Card
Athletic Bilbao, known for their solid defense in La Liga, were reduced to ten players early in the match. Manchester United took full advantage. The team showed energy, precision, and smart attacking moves throughout the game.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised United’s effort. Speaking to local media, he said: “This is the best I’ve seen Manchester United play under Amorim. They didn’t just get lucky—they played smart football.”
Ex-midfielder Robbie Savage also praised the team. He commented: “Yes, Bilbao got a red card, but that doesn’t explain United’s creativity and the quality of those three goals.”
A Season of Setbacks and Surprises
Ruben Amorim’s first season has been anything but easy. United suffered big losses and poor results. Yet there were moments of hope. A win over rivals Manchester City in December, a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and an FA Cup victory over Arsenal showed the team’s potential.
In January, United crushed Real Sociedad 4-1 in a strong European performance. But Thursday’s win over Bilbao stands out the most.
“This is our best result yet,” Amorim said after the match. “No one expected this. But the players believed, and they delivered.”
Senior Players Step Up When It Matters
The match didn’t start smoothly. United looked nervous in the first 15 minutes. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte lost the ball several times. Bilbao’s Inaki Williams nearly scored early, forcing Victor Lindelof to make a key block on the goal line.
But United’s experienced players stepped up. Casemiro, a former Real Madrid star, controlled the midfield. He broke up attacks, passed the ball well, and even scored the first goal. It came from a perfect cross by defender Harry Maguire.
Maguire, often under pressure from fans, played one of his best games this season. Captain Bruno Fernandes stayed calm under pressure. He scored a penalty and added a second goal with a smooth chip over the goalkeeper.
Coach Amorim praised the older players: “Young guys like Ugarte and Dorgu felt the nerves at first. But players like Casemiro, Maguire, and Bruno brought calm and helped the team grow.”
First-Half Goals Make History
It was a rare first-half show from Manchester United. The last time they scored three goals before halftime in a big European match was against Istanbul Basaksehir in 2020. Away from home, they hadn’t done it since a 2017 win over CSKA Moscow.
The early lead silenced the loud San Mames crowd. Now, Bilbao must score at least four goals at Old Trafford in the second leg to advance. That task seems nearly impossible.
With Tottenham Hotspur also winning their semi-final 3-1, an all-English Europa League final could be coming soon. But Manchester United are not celebrating just yet.
Bruno Fernandes summed up the team’s approach: “This was a big result. We stayed focused and managed the second half well. But we want to finish the job in front of our fans.”
Coach Amorim stayed cautious. “We are ahead, and that’s good. But anything can happen in football. We must stay focused. One game can change everything.”