Manchester United have recorded one of the biggest away wins in the club’s illustrious history against Athletic Bilbao in Thursday’s semi-final, and three players on the pitch stood out more than anyone else.
Manchester United took a significant step towards the Europa League final with a major win over Athletic Club at San Mamés, and three players on the pitch have received considerable praise for their contributions to the game.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro sent United on their way in the first half, and a professional performance in the second gives them a huge advantage going into the second leg at Old Trafford, although the tie is far from over.
There was several impressive performances in the game, including Rasmus Hojlund, who has come under significant criticism in recent weeks due to his form up front for the Reds, but three in particular stood out more than anyone.
Karen Carney highlighted this on TNT Sports after the game, declaring the three in question were standouts over the 90 minutes.
Three United players stand out in win
Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes have been given huge praise after United’s win over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final of the Europa League, and Karen Carney in particular believes those three players deserve praise for the win.
“Maybe, but like everyone has said, like, I don’t think any of us said 3-0 away, so I don’t want to be too greedy because I think the performance was brilliant. I thought there was some real standout leadership: Casemiro, Bruno, and Harry Maguire again.
“I mean, you’ve got to look at the scenes there from the Athletic Club, how disappointed they are. We wouldn’t have expected that, so I’m quite happy to take that, go into next week, and make sure you don’t concede early. Fingers crossed to see Manchester United in the final. It was quite an experience.”
The leadership was on display from Bruno Fernandes, with his two goals, as well as from Casemiro, who scored before the break and then contributed to the team’s calm possession for the remainder of the game.
Harry Maguire was flawless yet again, in a massive turn of form for the player. Maguire’s class has never been in doubt, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see him reaching his potential week in, week out for the Reds.
Experience invaluable for United
Experience is one of the most undervalued traits in football, and it is an invaluable trait for United, particularly in such a young team. Casemiro has won it all in Europe, and he was able to calm down the likes of Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte as the game dragged on, which helped his side win the tie.
Maguire’s assurance at the back and Bruno’s quality leading by example were another huge point for Amorim’s side, and that experience in the second leg will be hugely important, which is why Maguire was likely rested by his manager, coming off early in the second half.
The game is not over, far from it, but United are in the most commanding of positions at this moment in time. The Lyon game was hopefully a lesson for the side, giving away a 2-goal lead in the way they did, and United’s fan base will be hoping they show they’ve learnt that lesson next week.
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