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Thursday was expected to be Manchester United’s toughest test in the Europa League against an Athletic Club side that had conceded only 10 times at home all season.
What transpired in the first half at San Mames was scarcely believable as the visiting side took a 3-0 lead into the break courtesy of a brace from Bruno Fernandes while Casemiro got the ball rolling in the 30th minute.
It was almost the perfect night for the Red Devils as centre-back Harry Maguire produced a bit of magic out on the wing, while the margin could have been even more handsome but for the post coming to the hosts’ rescue twice.
Both Noussair Mazraoui and the Brazilian midfielder hit the upright as the 20-time English league champions ultimately took a three-goal advantage back to Old Trafford.
Great news for United
The England centre-back has also urged teammates to not become complacent as the tie is not over. Now, former Real Madrid superstar Casemiro echoed similar thoughts in an interview with AS.
Having spent considerable time with Los Blancos, he knows exactly how big of a threat the Basque side can pose even at this juncture of the contest.
.@Casemiro: “Hay que valorar mucho esta victoria pero con respeto”
“Esto no está sentenciado. Conozco mucho al @AthleticClub. En nombre del Manchester United pido respeto por ellos”#UEL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/NTNOzTTkMf
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) May 1, 2025
Also, the 33-year-old is well aware of his own team’s deficiencies with the Red Devils conceding four times at home against Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-finals before emerging 5-4 victors.
He explained that with Athletic going a man down following the red to Dani Vivian in the 35th minute, United controlled the game better, which led to the famous win.
Red card changed things
“Afterwards, with one man down, the game, of course, becomes a little easier, but I always say I’ve been in the league for a long time and I know how difficult it is to win here, to play a game here.
“So we have to value this victory a lot, but with a lot of respect, because I’ve been in many situations like this, and then we’ve had problems at home.”
The Brazil international made it clear that the team would prepare well and will not be complacent at all as they respect Athletic and are aware of the dangers they pose.
He refused to accept the tie was done and that United had reached the finals and would be returning to Bilbao on May 21.
Casemiro refusing to get carried away
“Hopefully not, but we’ll continue with a lot of respect, with a lot of humility, and we’ll play the next game with a lot of respect, because I know that team very well. They have great players, and we have a lot of respect because it’s a semifinal.
“No, no, no. And of course, I’m leaving a message from here, since it’s not over yet, because I know that team very well, I know there are great players, so we have to have a lot, a lot, a lot of respect.”
Casemiro’s form has been one of the shining lights in what has been a dismal season and Ruben Amorim cannot help but praise his impact both on and off the pitch.
Hopefully, he can keep it up and ensure the club ends the season on a high by lifting the cup and qualifying for the Champions League in the process.
Feature image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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