Player Ratings: Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United unexpectedly eased past Athletic Club in the first-leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 3-0 win at the Estadio de San Mames.

United had a relatively sloppy start, with a number of loose passes putting the defence into danger.

Ruben Amorim's side had a goal chalked off after Alejandro Garnacho was judged to have been offside a few minutes into the game.

Athletic had a series of opportunities early on, most notably with an Inaki Williams header that went over the bar from close range.

It all changed in the 30th minute, as Casemiro headed United in front after some neat play from Harry Maguire on the wings.

It got even better for United a few minutes later, as Rasmus Hojlund was brought down in the penalty area by Dani Vivian. After a VAR check, the penalty was given, and Vivian was sent off. Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the spot.

Right before the break, Fernandes made it 3-0 after getting on the end of a neat flick from Manuel Ugarte, putting United in a comfortable lead.

In the second-half, United slowed the game down and kept control of the encounter. United had chances to extend their lead, but it ended 3-0, with United having a solid lead to take back to Old Trafford.

Here are our player ratings:

Andre Onana 6

He was tested early on and made a strong save, but other than that, he was more of a spectator with United comfortably ahead.

Victor Lindelof 6

Athletic Club looked to capitalise from some of his errors on the ball. Yet he produced a brilliant block to deny a certain goal. His passing was shaky at times.

Harry Maguire 8

Brilliant at both ends. He was faultless at the back, keeping out the Athletic forwards, and he was also wonderful in attack, producing some neat footwork for the opening goal.

Leny Yoro 6

Comfortable on the ball and was recovering well whenever called upon. Played Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte into danger at times.

Noussair Mazraoui 7

Looked solid at right wing-back. Produced a brilliant cross that almost found Hojlund for the chance that got United the penalty, and was also close to scoring with a thunderous left-footed effort that cannoned off the bar.

Casemiro 9

Impresses on European nights yet again. United's best player on the day, controlling the tempo and always finding his man with his passes. Headed United in front, and was close to getting his second late in the game after another header hit the woodwork. Commanded the play and got more minutes into the tank.

Manuel Ugarte 7

Started off in a rather shaky manner, not looking too comfortable on the ball and often losing it in dangerous areas. He came to life midway through the first-half, first setting up Casemiro for the opener, and then flicking it excellently to Fernandes for the third goal. A workhorse in midfield.

Patrick Dorgu 6

He was a constant threat down the left, always wanting to bomb forward. His passing was not the best at times, yet he delivered some excellent crosses in the second-half.

Alejandro Garnacho 7

Had a goal ruled out very early on, but he was constantly looking to threaten the Athletic Club backline. Won a number of fouls that helped ease the pressure off United. Could have played in Hojlund at times.

Bruno Fernandes 8

Calmly stroked the penalty into the net before getting on the end of a move to make it 3-0. Another influential display from the United captain, helping the team remain calm in the second-half.

Rasmus Hojlund 7

Linked up excellently with the rest of the team, holding up the ball well and constantly bringing others into play. Definitely deserved a goal.

Substitutions:

Mason Mount 5

Brought plenty of energy into the team, but was also rather loose with his passing and awareness. Infuriating at times. Definitely needs to find a way of forcing himself into the team.

Matthijs de Ligt 6

Came on and helped guide United to the win. A welcome return.

Luke Shaw 5

Strong on the ball and looked to go down the wings in the few minutes he had.

Kobbie Mainoo 5

More minutes in the tank, with him probably going to feature more in the coming weeks.

Amad Diallo 6

A surprise return to the squad, and he was brought on in the final few minutes. Picked up where he left off, looking bright on the ball and skipped past some of the Athletic Club defenders. Will be a huge boost heading into the final few games of the season.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 7

Got the team absolutely spot on, having plenty of experience throughout the whole core of the line-up. Managed to lead his team while they had a numerical advantage and ensure they remained in control of the match. He will need the team to produce a similar display next week to see out the tie and book a place in the final.