Harry Maguire (32, Manchester United) received rave reviews for his movements resembling those of a winger.
Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals for the 2024-2025 season at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 2nd (Korean time).
After scoring three goals in the first half, Manchester United took a favorable position in the away match as they prepared for the return leg at home.
Manchester United fielded a 3-4-3 formation, with Rasmus Højlund at the forefront and Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho in offensive roles behind him. Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui comprised the midfield, while Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelöf formed the central defense. Andre Onana guarded the goal.
In the early stages of the match, the home team Bilbao took control. Led by the enthusiastic Inaki Williams, their attack continued, but they failed to create clear chances. Withstood by Manchester United, they scored the opening goal at the 30-minute mark of the first half. After a breakthrough by Harry Maguire, Ugarte headed the cross down, and Casemiro calmly finished.
Two minutes later, Manchester United had an opportunity to add another goal. Højlund drew a foul from Vivien in the box, earning a penalty kick, which Bruno successfully converted. Vivien was sent off, and with the numerical advantage, Bruno, receiving a pass from Ugarte, scored again in the 45th minute, solidifying the lead.
In the second half, Bilbao made substitutions to try to score, but Manchester United completed the match with a solid defense, achieving a clean-sheet victory. Although no goals were scored after the three in the first half, the dominant away victory gave Manchester United a decisive advantage.
After the match, UEFA Europa League released an interview with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim through its official website. Speaking to 'TNT Sports', Amorim noted, "We have the advantage of the first leg victory and the support of our home fans, but everything can still change. Just one match can change everything."
Amorim spoke about the presence of experienced players. He said, "The difference was felt from the early stages of the match. On such a big stage as the semifinals, the presence of players like Casemiro, Maguire, and Bruno is a huge help."
In this match, defender Maguire often took on the role of an 'emergency striker', moving forward to seek goals in crisis situations. He had previously scored a dramatic winner in the quarterfinals against Lyon.
This time, he transformed into a helper. Maguire, moving up the right flank, beat the defender with dazzling dribbles and turns, delivering a perfect cross. Ugarte connected with a header, and Casemiro finished it off, scoring the opening goal.
Manager Amorim praised Maguire's performance, calling him "a really good winger," and added, "In the past, not everything went well, but now everything he does helps the team. Now, we just have to enjoy it."
Meanwhile, Maguire said, "The first 20 minutes were really tough. The crowd's energy was incredible, and the tempo of the match was very high. But we held on well, and we knew chances would come. We were very efficient in the first half," and added, "There couldn't be a better start than this. We scored three away goals and won without conceding. But it’s not over yet. Now all the pressure will be on us. We will prepare well and certainly make it to the final."
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