Fernandes and red card put slick United on track for a return to Bilbao

Manchester United enjoyed their night in Bilbao so much that they will surely be coming back.

- Sid Lowe

They remain the only unbeaten team among the more than 100 that have played in the Europa League over eight long months, and even if they do fall to a first defeat in seven days' time, they should be there on its final game in this same stadium, this season given meaning and potentially a triumphant end.

They came to the stadium everyone calls the Cathedral and defeated Athletic Club so convincingly that the second leg carries little threat. No one had won here this year in this competition and Athletic had conceded just 10 times in all competitions; United scored three in a quarter of an hour.

An opening goal from Casemiro and two from Bruno Fernandes, the first of those from the spot and accompanied by a red card for Dani Vivian, destroyed the dreams of the faithful here and virtually ensured that they will return on 21 May against Spurs or Bodø/Glimt.

Ultimately this was an efficient, impressive performance in which United looked something like the team, and club, they are supposed to be: one that can win a European title that has become their salvation and a glimpse, perhaps of future hope, not least as it would give them Champions League access. One that ended up looking on a different level to their opponents.