Three first-half goals put Manchester United on the brink of the Europa League final on Thursday, as the Premier League side cruised to a 3-0 semi-final first leg win over Athletic Club in Bilbao.

In a raucous atmosphere at the San Memes, where supporters were dreaming of a first European trophy, veteran midfielder Casemiro put the visitors ahead after 30 minutes.

Man United, who have endured a miserable domestic season, were given a further boost five minutes later when Athletic defender Dani Vivian was sent off for a challenge on Rasmus Højlund in the box and Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick.

The Man United faithful in the top tier were in dreamland moments later when captain Fernandes raced through to seal victory, and perhaps even a draw, before the break.

Athletic, who have the added incentive of hosting the final at their own ground on 21 May, were unable to muster a response in the second half as their numbers dwindled, leaving Man United with the most unlikely of first-leg victories.

The Europa League has been something of a safe haven for United this season, where they can forget that they are on course for their worst ever Premier League points haul this term.

However, the job has been done. United's success means 133 teams have won the first leg of a UEFA Cup or Europa League knockout stage tie by three goals or more away from home and all 133 have won the tie.

"Of course it's a great start, to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet," United defender Harry Maguire said aftermatch.

"All the pressure will be on us, everyone will be expecting us to go through. We need to prepare properly, and if we do that we'll give ourselves a great chance.

"One foot in the final, but it's not done."