Bruno Fernandes perfection, Garnacho useless – Man United ratings v Athletic Club
Bruno Fernandes put in a stunning performance but Alejandro Garnacho was poor as Man United cruised to a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.
In a match where the occasion could have gotten the better of them, the Red Devils put in one of their most composed performances of the season.
Casemiro gave United the lead on the half-hour mark after Harry Maguire danced back, then forth, before whipping a delightful cross in.
Bruno Fernandes made it two from the spot following Dani Vivian’s red card, before the Portuguese midfielder doubled his tally on the stroke of halftime.
United will host the Spaniards at Old Trafford on 8 May, confident of securing their place in the Europa League final having won so easily in the first leg.
Man United stun Athletic Bilbao in Europa League semi-final
Andre Onana – 7
Had only a handful of saves to make and he made them, there is little more you can ask of your goalkeeper. Distribution was tidy.
Leny Yoro – 8
A star in the making. The 19-year-old has had some shaky performances this season, but tonight the Frenchman was truly stellar.
Harry Maguire (off for De Ligt 65′) – 9
From zero to hero. Has there ever been a player who has managed to revive their career at one club in the way Maguire has? It seems unlikely. The English centre-back was a rock at the back and a threat going forward.
Maguire dazzles again
Victor Lindelof – 5
Shaky. The Swedish defender looked nervous each time he was asked to defend, fortunate United wrapped up the game before half-time.
Noussair Mazraoui (off for Shaw 74′) – 8
Up and down. For as good as Diogo Dalot has been at times this season, Mazraoui’s endless stores of energy and attacking impetus make him the man for the future in the right wing-back position.
Manuel Ugarte (off for Mount 65′) – 7
Slow starter. The Uruguayan struggled initially but grew into the game, getting two assists on the night.
Casemiro in total control for Man United
Casemiro – 9
Casemiro has been routinely linked with a move away from Man United, but much like Maguire he is rehabilitating his image at Old Traffod. Full of European experience, the Brazilian marshalled both his side and the midfield.
Patrick Dorgu (off for Mainoo 84′) – 6
Confident going forward, needs improvement going backwards, Yoro spared the Dane’s blushes by tidying up for him on more than one occasion.
Bruno Fernandes – 10 – Player of the Match
Who else? Fernandes has been United’s best player all season long and tonight was no different. A United legend in the making.
Alejandro Garnacho (off for Amad 84′) – 3
Garnacho’s agent was spotted in the stands prior to kick-off, and on tonight’s showing, the Argentine winger is almost certainly expendable in the summer.
Rasmus Hojlund impresses vs Athletic Club
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Much better. Whilst the striker did not get on the scoresheet, his performance was mature and professional, holding the ball up expertly and winning his side a penalty.
Substitutes
Matthijs de Ligt (on for Maguire 65′) – 7
Carried on Maguire’s strong defensive work after being brought on just past the hour mark.
Mason Mount (on for Ugarte 65′) – 5
Passing lacked accuracy and was booked during his brief stint on the pitch.
Luke Shaw (on for Mazraoui 74′) – 6
Mature and composed with his defending whilst offering some brief threats going forward.
Amad (on for Garnacho 84′) – 6
A welcome return after a lengthy injury layoff.
Kobbie Mainoo (on for Dorgu 84′) – 6
Neat passing but the midfielder was not on the pitch long enough to have a significant impact.