Ruben Amorim Applauds Key Manchester United Players After Dominant Europa League Win
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has singled out five standout players following his team’s dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals at San Mames on Thursday night. With this commanding performance, United is closing in on a spot in the final, but Amorim remains cautious ahead of the second leg.
The match kicked off with a brilliant header from Casemiro, setting the tone for the evening. Club captain Bruno Fernandes then added two more goals before halftime, putting Manchester United firmly in control.
Despite the impressive scoreline, Amorim warned that the tie is far from over. “Athletic Bilbao is a strong and intense team. We need to stay fully focused for the second leg,” he said in his post-match comments.
Amorim also spoke about the performances of key players, including Manuel Ugarte, who, despite his experience, appeared a bit nervous at times. He also highlighted the anxiety shown by emerging talent Patrick Dorgu. “Veterans like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes provide the vital support and stability we need,” Amorim added.
One surprising moment in the match came when Harry Maguire, typically a central defender, contributed to a wing play that led to Casemiro’s opening goal. Amorim was full of praise for Maguire’s versatility: “He’s surprisingly effective as a winger! Every player faces challenges in their career, and Harry has had his share. Every contribution he makes is valuable, and we should appreciate that.”
The game also saw a turning point in the form of Dani Vivian’s red card, which Amorim described as the moment that truly shifted the match in United’s favor. The La Liga side was forced to play with ten men for much of the second half, a significant blow to their hopes.
Before the red card, Casemiro had already given United the lead with his precise header. The referee then reviewed a contentious incident with VAR, awarding a penalty to Manchester United, which Bruno Fernandes confidently converted. He later sealed the victory with a third goal, giving his side a commanding advantage.
In an interview with TNT Sports after the match, Amorim emphasized the importance of caution: “While the result is impressive, we must interpret it carefully. We faced challenges early on, and the red card changed the dynamic of the game. It’s crucial to remember that this tie is far from over. Bilbao can still be a threat at Old Trafford.”
Manchester United will look to build on this advantage in the second leg, but with a cautious approach, Amorim’s side understands the battle is far from won.
