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Man Utd dominate Athletic Bilbao to take control of Europa League semi-final
United face a tough test in the Basque Country tonight.
Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after a stunning 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.
In the first-leg of their semi-final showdown, Ruben Amorim’s side turned in a ruthless first-half display with the hosts reduced to 10 men.
After scoring the winner against Lyon in the quarter-finals, Harry Maguire transformed into a tricky winger to set up the opener, twisting and turning past his man with Casemiro heading home the cross after Manuel Ugarte’s knock on.
Just minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund was brought down in the box, hauled back by Dani Vivian.
After a VAR review, the spot kick was rewarded with the Athletic defender shown a straight red card.
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Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from 12 yards and doubled his tally just before half-time.
United have been guilty of throwing away comfortable advantages in Europe in recent years but Amorim’s side maintained control throughout the second-half ahead of the return leg in Manchester next week.
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