United Beyond Manchester

Starting Eleven

Andre Onana: 7 – Onana did not have much to do but made a couple of important saves in the first half.

Victor Lindelof: 7 – Lindelof put in a solid performance after a surprise inclusion in the first team. He saved a goal with a somewhat fortunate block in the 18th minute and was positionally excellent when Bilbao broke forward.

Harry Maguire: 8 – What can’t he do? After scoring the glorious winner against Lyon, Maguire set up one in the win at Bilbao with some quick dribbling and a perfect, driven ball into the box. On top of his attacking contribution, the Englishman was defensively sound and kept the back line organized from the middle.

Leny Yoro: 7 – Yoro has been improving every match and has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Maguire. The young defender contributed with three clearances and two interceptions in the win.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7 – Mazraoui kept one of the quickest and most sought-after wingers quiet all match. Rumor has it Nico Williams is still stuck in his pocket.

Manuel Ugarte: 8 – Ugarte is typically known for his stellar defensive work in the midfield, but against Bilbao, he was the creator of goals. A great flicked header found Casemiro for United’s first, and a flick to Bruno Fernandes set the captain in for the third.

Casemiro: 8 – Casemiro has been outstanding for United in recent weeks and followed his big day against Lyon with a goal. He was all over the field, contributing in attack and breaking up play at the back. The Brazilian legend has come alive at the right time for Ruben Amorim.

Patrick Dorgu: 7 – Dorgu was effective in the win, keeping possession well and forcing the opposition to foul him if they wanted any chance at the ball. He could still improve his impact in attack but overall has grown into his new team well.

Alejandro Garnacho: 7 – Garnacho nearly scored within the first five minutes but was marginally offside. He has continued to be dangerous in recent matches and will be important in the second leg and possible final.

Bruno Fernandes: 9 – Fernandes again stepped up in European competition to lead Manchester United. His penalty was critical as it allowed momentum to stay with the Reds rather than quickly switch back to Bilbao after the red card. His second finish was coolly taken as he found the far corner.

Rasmus Hojlund: 7 – Hojlund won’t show up on the score sheet, but he played an important role in each of United’s goals. His hold-up play was improved, and his effort to get to the cross from Noussair Mazraoui won the Reds an important penalty and forced the referee to send off Vivian.

Substitutes

Matthijs De Ligt: 6 – De Ligt was solid in his return, and gives Amorim another option in the back for the rest of the season. He kept possession well and won a tackle in his 25 minutes.

Mason Mount: 6 – Just when Manchester United started losing focus, Amorim put on Mount. The attacker, who is adored by his manager, came on and provided energy and a spark that helped the Reds see out the final minutes.

Luke Shaw: 6 – Shaw came in and played a few nice crosses into the box. Surprisingly, Lindelof started over him in defense, and he came on as a wing back.

Amad: NR – Welcome back Amad!

Kobbie Mainoo: NR – Mainoo did not receive as many minutes as he probably would have liked, but should be in contention to start at Brentford and in the second leg at Old Trafford.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes