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Manchester United earned a convincing 3-0 win against Athletic Club this evening to get their UEFA Europa League semi-final off to a dream start.
With 73% possession and 14 shots on goal, Man United were the dominant team, contrary to what many may have thought, given both teams’ form going into the contest.
United’s impressive performance was the result of not just great management on the part of Ruben Amorim but some excellent individual showings, with several players rising to what was a massive occasion.
Alejandro Garnacho appeared energetic and alert, while Casemiro was a constant threat in the box. Harry Maguire was a surprise package on the wing, drilling a surgical cross into the box to hand United the opportunity they needed to open the scoring.
Of course, this performance would not have been possible without the leadership and finishing of captain Bruno Fernandes.
After Rasmus Hojlund was fouled in the penalty box late in the first half, it was the dependable Fernandes who stepped up to take the spot kick, sending the goalkeeper in the wrong direction.
Just eight minutes later, he grabbed his second goal of the game. While playing a crucial role in the build-up, Fernandes read a witty through ball from Manuel Ugarte, slipping past the Athletic defence to score yet again.
Fernandes was a constant thorn in Athletic’s side, getting three shots on target and one off target – the most of any player from either team.
With an xG of 1.58, the United skipper actually outperformed this metric by grabbing two goals, thereby proving how clinical he is when he is in form.
Although 45 of 58 passes, or 78% passing accuracy, is not his best, Fernandes completed an impressive five of seven crosses and three of four long balls.
What’s more, he delivered three key passes, showing just how clinical he can be in the final third.
Having won one of two aerial duels, Fernandes won an impressive six of eight ground duels, proving to remain alert throughout the match.
Notably, he wasn’t just involved in the attack. The United captain also produced three tackles, proving to be a crucial player across the entire pitch.
This was a match that proved just how crucial Fernandes is as a playmaker, goalscorer, and leader, stepping up to lead his team to victory when it counts most.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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