Man Utd news: ‘Professional performance’ in Bilbao win

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Manchester United put in “a very professional performance” against Athletic Bilbao and it is a massive step towards a place in the Europa League final.

“That is the best I have seen them play under Ruben Amorim,” said Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast. “They were excellent.

“Granted, they were playing against 10 men but they still had to do a job. In the first 20 minutes they came under pressure, but they rode the storm and then the penalty changed the game.

“United completely controlled the game and it was a very professional performance to go three goals up by half-time.

“This formation and style seems to suit European football. Not conceding was the important thing for them and it was an excellent performance to preserve that.”

Ex-United defender Phil Jones also praised “the key spine” of United players that really stepped up to the occasion.

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire “were the leaders”, said Jones.

He added: “There have been a lot of times this season where members of that team have been criticised – and rightly so – because a club of this stature should never lose 15 Premier League games in a season.

“But there is no way you can criticise them them in the Europa League.”

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