Ruben Amorim may have finally found his moment at Manchester United. Since arriving from Sporting, the Portuguese coach has faced considerable domestic challenges, managing only six victories in 23 Premier League fixtures. But in Europe, his side appears revitalized, and Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League semi-final first leg could mark a key breakthrough.
Despite Bilbao being reduced to ten men, United produced a dominant performance against a team with La Liga’s best defensive record. Paul Robinson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, called it United’s strongest display under Amorim. Former midfielder Robbie Savage echoed the sentiment on TNT Sports, praising the result as an outstanding achievement, especially against such a defensively solid opponent.
This latest success joins a shortlist of notable results for United during Amorim’s time in charge. Earlier in the season, they beat Manchester City at the Etihad, held Liverpool to a draw, eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup, and convincingly beat Real Sociedad in European competition. However, Amorim himself described the Bilbao result as the most unexpected and impressive so far.
Veterans lead as United seize control
Although the scoreline ended convincingly in their favor, United had a shaky start in the intense atmosphere of San Mames. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte struggled in possession early on, while the defense appeared disorganized, nearly conceding when Inaki Williams set up a close-range chance for Alex Berenguer.
The home crowd’s energy clearly impacted United’s less experienced players, but the older heads in the squad helped turn things around. Casemiro anchored the midfield with assurance, breaking up play and dictating tempo. His first-half header gave United the lead, with Harry Maguire providing the assist after a surprising burst down the right wing.
Captain Bruno Fernandes remained composed under pressure, calmly converting a penalty and later adding a third with a delicate finish. Amorim credited players like Casemiro, Maguire, and Fernandes for helping to settle the nerves of younger teammates, highlighting their leadership after the match.
Manchester United now takes a strong advantage into the return leg at Old Trafford. It was the first time the team had scored three goals before halftime in a major European match since 2020 and the first time away from home since 2017. With a potential all-English final on the horizon – Tottenham also winning their first leg – United have one foot in the showpiece event, which will take place at the same stadium in three weeks’ time.
Still, Amorim remains cautious. “We have an advantage,” he admitted, but reminded fans that the tie is not yet over. “Anything can happen in one game.”
