Man United can’t take Europa League final place for granted, says Ruben Amorim

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim said his team can’t take Europa League final place for granted despite a convincing 3-0 win against Athletic Club on Thursday at the San Mames. 

Bruno Fernandes scored a brace in the first half after Casemiro scored at the half-an-hour mark with a header. The home team’s Dani Vivian was sent off in the 35th minute and United was able to capitalise on the numerical advantage.

“I think they have to think about the second leg,” said Amorim.

“And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough.

“There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players, and we have to think now about Brentford [on Sunday] and then the second leg.”

The Portuguese manager was delighted with the result and said it is an ideal start for them.

“I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result,” said Amorim.

“But, again, I think you saw two games today — the first 25 minutes and then after the goal, and also with the sending off the game changed.

“That was a good thing, also a good thing in the second half was we tried to be cautious.

“We create chances but the most important thing is that the opponent didn’t get many shots to our goal and that was really important.”

In fact, United could have won by 4-0 but Noussair Mazraoui hit the bar. United dominated the possession with 73% and took seven shots on target. The second-leg of the semifinal will be played at Old Trafford on Thursday.