Man Utd and Ruben Amorim pass toughest test to keep Champions League dream alive

This was supposed to be Manchester United's toughest test this season. Ruben Amorim's hapless side, grubbing around near the basement of the Premier League, up against Athletic Bilbao, fourth in La Liga and with the best home defensive record in Spain.

But United put their domestic woes to one side and plant one foot in the Europa League final – back at the San Mames Stadium on May 21. When United can play as fearlessly and fluently like this, it beggars belief that they have lost 15 times in the Premier League this season and are currently languishing in 14th place.

But Amorim's side remain unbeaten in Europe, with eight wins and five draws, this latest victory edging them closer to the final and a ticket to the Champions League if they lift the trophy.

There was a carnival atmosphere in Bilbao leading up to kick-off, with it being a bank holiday in Spain and fans lining the streets throughout the day and adding to the sense of anticipation.

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But in front of their frenzied and passionate fans, Bilbao fell flat, United taking full advantage to render next week's return leg at Old Trafford little more than a formality. Yet United will not need reminding they conceded four goals in the previous round to trail 4-2 to Lyon in extra-time, before staging an epic late comeback to win 5-4 and go through.

That close call means Amorim and his capricious players will not be taking anything for granted between now and next Thursday's rematch at the Theatre of Dreams.

Casemiro set United on their way to victory with a header, then two goals from skipper Bruno Fernandes – the first from the penalty spot – saw United race to a 3-0 lead by half-time. With Bilbao down to 10 men following the 35th-minute dismissal of defender Dani Vivian, United cruised through the remainder of the game.

Amorim warned his players to expect an intense opening, with Bilbao pressing high and their noisy fans making the stadium as hostile an environment as possible for the visitors. But they came through a testing first 20 minutes, in which Andre Onana executed a fine save and Victor Lindelof cleared off the line, before taking control, the opener owing much to an unlikely creator in Harry Maguire.

Maguire picked the ball up on the right, twisting and turning Mikel Jaureguizar inside out before crossing into the box. Manuel Ugarte flicked the ball on and it was met at the far post by Casemiro, who headed into the net.

United's night got even better when they were awarded a penalty, following a VAR review, after Ramus Hojlund was pulled back by Vivian as he tried to turn the ball in. Referee Espen Eskas was sent to the monitor and not only gave a penalty, but showed Vivian a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Fernandes took the spot-kick and coolly rolled it past Julen Agirrezabala to give United a two-goal lead, with Bilbao down to 10 men and mentally shot to pieces. Fernandes made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, Ugarte producing a sublime flick, sending the United captain surging through before picking his spot with an assured finish.

Bilbao are nicknamed 'Los Leones' - The Lions – but it was United mauled them in their own den, with a place in the final – and a ticket to the Champions League if they can win the Europa League – within touching distance.

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