Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Man Utd: Ruben Amorim's best result as manager?

Was this the night it all came together for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United?

The former Sporting boss has endured an uneasy start to life at Old Trafford since his appointment, particularly domestically where he has overseen just six wins in 23 Premier League games.

But European football is looking like being his and United's salvation this season and Thursday's 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League semi-final first leg ensures they have one foot firmly planted in the final.

Granted, the Spanish hosts played much of the game with 10 men but this was nevertheless an impressive display against a side that boasts the best defensive record in La Liga.

"That was the best that I have seen Manchester United play under Ruben Amorim," former Leeds, Tottenham and Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 live.

"They were excellent - granted they were playing against 10 men, but they still had to do a job."

Former Manchester United midfielder Robbie Savage said on TNT Sports: "People will look at the result and say Athletic Bilbao were down to 10 men but this has been a magnificent performance.

"They concede hardly any goals, one of the best [defences] in Europe but to come here and score three goals, magnificent Manchester United performance."

There have been plenty of poor performances and disappointing losses for United under Amorim but there has also been the odd eye-catching result.

They won 2-1 at rivals Manchester City in December, drew 2-2 with Liverpool and knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in January and thrashed Real Sociedad 4-1 in Europe.

But for Amorim this was the most impressive of the lot, saying: "I think best result because nobody expected this."

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