Bruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United secured a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Athletic Club in their Europa League semi-final clash at the Estadio de San Mamés.
The result stunned the hosts, who came into the match with the best home defensive record in Europe and unbeaten at home since August.
But United dismantled that record with a ruthless first-half display, taking full control of the tie by the break.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute through an unexpected source.
Defender Harry Maguire, playing uncharacteristically high on the right flank, delivered a sharp cross to Manuel Ugarte, who flicked the ball into the path of Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder made no mistake, heading United into the lead.
Just seven minutes later, the match tilted further in United’s favor when Dani Vivian pulled back Rasmus Højlund inside the box.
After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty and showed Vivian a straight red card. Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double United’s lead.
Athletic Club responded with a pair of substitutions in an effort to stem the tide, but it was in vain.
Fernandes struck again just before the interval, finishing a flowing move that began with Ugarte’s clever backheel in the box.
With a three-goal advantage and a man up, United managed the second half professionally, restricting the hosts to limited chances while nearly adding a fourth themselves.
Casemiro struck the post with a header, and both Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho were denied by Athletic goalkeeper Julen.
There was additional good news for United fans as winger Amad Diallo made his return from injury, coming off the bench for his first appearance since early February.
The second leg will be played at Old Trafford next Thursday, with United holding a firm grip on the tie.
