A VAR overturn helped seize a stranglehold of their semi-final tie away at Athletic Bilbao. The two sides will meet again next week to decide who advances to the showpiece final.
had headed United into the lead on the half hour mark as 's side made the perfect start in Spain. But things got even better for United when Dani Vivian was given his marching orders just five minutes later.
The defender was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after dragging Rasmus Hojlund back in the penalty area.
quickly rubbed salt in Bilbao's wounds by converting the subsequent penalty to double Manchester United's lead. And United's captain fantastic struck again before the half-time whistle had blown, effectively ended the tie by making it 3-0 to leave the travelling supporters in dreamland.
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Paul Robinson, the former and England goalkeeper, was analysing the match for Radio 5 Live and he had no complaints with the decision to send Vivian off. "What a twist in the tale," he said. "Dani Vivian stopped a goalscoring opportunity. If the referee deems that a foul then he has to go."
Bilbao had looked comfortable before Casemiro nudged United into the lead. And Fernandes' subsequent brace leaves the hosts with a major mountain to climb if they are to pip Amorim's side to a place in the Europa League final.
Do you think the red card call was right?
Former defender offered his verdict on Vivian's sending off at the half-time interval. Speaking on TNT Sports, the pundit said: "You know what that is, that's panic as a defender. I know what that's like when the ball's coming in and the forward's got the run on you and he's facing your goal.
"It's hard not to put your hands on them."
Winning the Europa League would be a major boost for Manchester United and Amorim with the club currently in the midst of their worst ever season. United and Bilbao meet again next week at Old Trafford for the decisive second leg.
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