Man United had an unimaginable big win over Athletic Bilbao away from home in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. Ruben Amorim's team was rated lower than the home team but left with a score of 3-0 and a high spirit. As long as they are themselves in the second leg, the "Red Devils" will take the ticket to the final.
Of the 3 goals conceded against the Basque team, captain Bruno Fernandes scored a double, the remaining goal was scored by Casemiro. Man United's success so far in the Europa League has a great contribution from these two stars, but it is impossible not to mention the other person who is the mainstay of the defense - Harry Maguire.
Casemiro's opening goal was created by Manuel Ugarte. However, the previous great work belonged to Harry Maguire. The center -back has a flexible shadow like the stars attacking the right wing, followed by a cross like putting Ugarte to the connection, bringing the ball to the Casemiro position waiting. Maguire is not the one who creates the score but the biggest work must belong to him.
This season, the 32-year-old central defender has scored many important goals, especially with headers. The goals against FC Porto, Ipswich, Leicester and Lyon were all extremely important goals, bringing favorable results to Man United. Not only defending well, Maguire has also shown his ability to participate effectively in attack this season. Ruben Amorim has said that once the team needs a goal, Maguire is always one of the factors that can meet.
Supposed to have left Man United in the summer of 2024, Casemiro is gradually showing why he is the owner of 5 Champions League titles. The Brazilian midfielder is no longer at his peak as when he was playing for Los Blancos, but his class and experience are always present, especially in the European Cup.
In the second half of this season, in addition to goals and assists, Casemiro has returned to the image of a solid shield against the Man United defense. Thanks to his steadyness, the "Red Devils" defense, which was both thin and weak, had many opportunities to escape the huge pressure from the opponent.
Finally, the familiar name - captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese star's two goals and usual high-class performances have always been the mainstay of The Red Devils. Previously, Bruno was always associated with the image of a "ball-playing" player, rarely creating reverse-pon-the- countdown situations or being the main striker. His performance against Bilbao completely dispelled those prejudices.
With Amorim's current personnel arrangement, the Maguire - Casemiro - Bruno trio is a true vertical axis, with class, experience and knows how to shine at the right time. Bilbao was considered the strongest team in the Europa League semi-finals but lost 0-3 to Man United. The championship is no longer a dream, it is present right in the eyes of Bruno and his teammates.
