Man Utd Europa League semi-final turned on its head after Athletic Bilbao VAR decision

A VAR overturn helped Manchester United seize a stranglehold of their semi-final tie away at Athletic Bilbao. The two sides will meet again next week to decide who advances to the showpiece final.

Casemiro had headed United into the lead on the half hour mark as Ruben Amorim's side made the perfect start in Spain. But things got even better for United when Dani Vivian was given his marching orders just five minutes later.

The defender was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after dragging Rasmus Hojlund back in the penalty area.

quickly rubbed salt in Bilbao's wounds by converting the subsequent penalty to double Manchester United's lead. And United's captain fantastic struck again before the half-time whistle had blown, effectively ended the tie by making it 3-0 to leave the travelling supporters in dreamland.

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Paul Robinson, the former and England goalkeeper, was analysing the match for Radio 5 Live and he had no complaints with the decision to send Vivian off. "What a twist in the tale," he said. "Dani Vivian stopped a goalscoring opportunity. If the referee deems that a foul then he has to go."

Bilbao had looked comfortable before Casemiro nudged United into the lead. And Fernandes' subsequent brace leaves the hosts with a major mountain to climb if they are to pip Amorim's side to a place in the Europa League final.

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