Match Report: Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Europa League

08/03/2012

United's indifferent European form continues as they leave it all to do after home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Manchester United were looking for an improvement on their last Europa League game where they went down 2-1 at home to Ajax. Sir Alex Ferguson picked an experimental side as the likes of Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Nani made way for Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Park Ji Sung.

However with Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs in the starting line up, the manager will have been confident to get a result against the Spanish outfit. Athletic started the game on the front foot, keeping possession well and cutting through United's defence with relative ease. The centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as well as David De Gea had their work cut out to keep the score level in the early stages.

After withstanding 20 minutes of Athletic pressure United managed to take the lead. On a rare counter attack Chicharito carried the ball into the area, feinted onto his left foot and fired a low strike towards goal. Gorka Iraizoz only managed to parry the shot which Wayne Rooney hammered home from close range.

United had the lead but Athletic instantly resumed their dominance. Merkel Susaeta had a great opportunity to level things up as he got in behind the United defence, he opted for an audacious chip from 25 yards which beat De Gea, but also beat the post bouncing narrowly wide.

This was a big let off for the home side who couldn't contain Athletic. Moments later De Gea was forced into a smart low stop as the visitors were getting closer and closer. Just as it seemed United were going to hold on 'till half time Fernando Llorente esacped his marker, Phil Jones and headed home a fine Susaeta cross. It was the least Bilbao had deserved as they had been by far the better team.

If United had been told to enforce a stronger position in the game in the second half then it didn't work as Athletic instantly fell back into their rhythm. Four minutes in David De Gea saved United again turning a Muniain drive around the post. There was only one team that looked like winning the game and for once into wasn't the Old Trafford side. on the 52nd minute De Gea pulled off yet another save, repelling a Llorente shot that was destined for the top corner.

After 70 minutes Athletic did grab the lead as Oscar De Marcos got in behind the United defence again placing a low shot past De Gea. Replays showed the Bilbao man was off side, but it was the least the visitors deserved.

Just as it seemed the game was going to fizzle out, De Marcos zipped a shot across the face of goal which De Gea parried back into play. United defender Rafael should have been able to clear the loose ball but a lack of concentration meant Muniain got to the ball first smashing the ball into the roof of the net to strike United with a sickening blow. With United 3-1 down at home it looked like the tie was as good as over.

With seconds of stoppage time remaining United had a life line as De Marcos handled in the area to give United a penalty. Rooney despatched confidently to slightly reduce United's blushes. A disappointing result and performance from the reds as they have to win by two clear in next weeks return fixture if they are to progress.