“I just need to keep delivering,” says Bruno Fernandes as United take control of Europa League semi-final | OneFootball

Manchester United roared to an impressive 0-3 win against Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday, with their Basque hosts having been reduced to ten men in the first half when Dani Vivian was penalised for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With the Red Devils already leading after Casemiro’s opener on the half-hour mark, Bruno Fernandes slotted home the from the penalty spot before another low finish saw Ruben Amorim’s side race into a three-goal lead at the break.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Bruno Fernandes said: “The result for us is unbelievable. We could, in that first half, get that result and then in the second half control the game.”

San Mamés is well renowned for its incredible atmosphere and that was no different on Thursday, with Fernandes explaining that he “knew they were very passionate [for] the club and everything, but I never thought it was like this. It was very good – I love this atmosphere, and I love to play in this kind of stadium.”

Despite a slow start, Manchester United quickly roared into a three-goal lead – with the first of those coming courtesy of a Casemiro header after fine work from Harry Maguire on the right flank. His precise ball control has earned him the nickname ‘Harrydinho’ on social media, and 30-year-old Fernandes joked: “I don’t think he even thought he had that in his locker!”

But it was the United captain who delivered both of the following strikes, bringing his goal contributions tally this season to a staggering 37. “I knew I was around the 30s,” he told TNT Sports, “but I didn’t know exactly.”

“I want to score, I want to assist because it’s a big part of my game. I need to take that responsibility because I know since I came to the club, and even before [that] the club bought me because I scored 32 goals in one season. They knew that I could create, I could score and I just need to keep delivering because if you want to be at the highest level, you need to be consistent.”

He continued: “I feel the pressure with every penalty. I think that’s the good thing of football and what we have to enjoy because when I finish my career that pressure will go away and I’ll be much more relaxed!”

“When I die I’ll have a lot of time to lie down and rest myself,” he joked.