Man Utd put one foot in Europa League final with dominant Bilbao victory - 5 talking points

Manchester United are favourites to reach the final after racking up a comprehensive victory against Athletic Bilbao. The Red Devils headed to Spain on Thursday aiming to keep their season alive.

And they thought they had the perfect start in through but his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag. did eventually have their opener through .

Amorim's side then had a golden chance to add to their lead as stepped up and converted, before rounding off a brilliant team goal to all-but end the game before the break with a third.

And United kept their opponents at arms' length after the break to seal an impressive victory ahead of next week's second leg at Old Trafford. Here are all of the talking points from San Mames:

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Lindelof saves United

Swedish defender hasn't had too many opportunities with the Red Devils and his rollercoaster performance in Spain might explain why. Amid a few errors on the ball, he was exactly where he needed to be to keep United level early on in Spain. He at first produced an excellent block from Inaki Williams' cross.

The ball found its way to Alejandro Berenguer, who look destined to score with a low effort. But Lindelof had the awareness to get back on the line and clear his goal-bound effort.

The defender looks set to leave the club this summer, but he may depart having proven to be a crucial player in United's run to a trophy.

Who was United's man-of-the-match in Bilbao?

Maguire tees up opener

While Lindelof was key to keeping his side level, his central defensive partner arguably played a bigger part. The ball found its way to the England man on the right flank and to evade his marker and cross the ball into the box.

It was nodded on by Manuel Ugarte and found its way to Casemiro, who nodded home. The Brazilian celebrated his first goal in the but a lot of the acclaim has to go Maguire's way.

VAR plays huge role

It did not take too long for Ruben Amorim's men to get their second - and it came in dramatic circumstances. was taken down as he attempted to latch onto a dangerous cross from Noussair Mazraoui.

The referee was initially unmoved but VAR intervened. A penalty was eventually given after a long delay, with Bilbao star Dani Vivian sent off upon review.

United captain Fernandes stepped on and rolled home a composed effort for his 18th goal of the season.

Fernandes flying

On the topic of the Man United captain, he was on hand to finish off a brilliant team move to put his team in dreamland just before the break. Following a good display of determination from Rasmus Hojlund to win the ball back, he picked out Manuel Ugarte.

Usually a defensive midfielder, he showed excellent awareness to backheel the ball to Fernandes, who ran beyond the Bilbao backline unchallenged.

Faced with just the goalkeeper, he stayed cool to once again lift the ball in the net. If United do end up winning the Europa League, they certainly have their captain to thank.

Referee faces Spanish fury

After seeing a penalty and a red card go against their side, Bilbao fans were left furious midway through the second-half as Maguire seemingly escaped a red card. The United defender had a brief scuffle with Maroan Sannadi as he attempted to run in behind.

The striker fell under Maguire's challenge, with the home side and supporters baying for a dismissal. But neither the referee nor VAR were particularly interested.

And on reflection, it was the correct decision but that will be of no consequence for the hosts. And they now have a huge job on their hands at Old Trafford.

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