Here are five things we learned from Manchester United's 3-0 win over Athletic Club.

Manchester United headed to Bilbao to face Athletic Club in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.

Andre Onana began in goal, with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof as the three centre backs. In Diogo Dalot's absence, Noussair Mazraoui started at right wing back, with Patrick Dorgu on the left side.

Ruben Amorim deployed a defensive midfield, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte as the 6/8 partnership.

The offensive trio were Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Hojlund.

Here are five lessons we learned from this enormous match.

United's veteran heads stand up when necessary.

Two Red Devils who have been heavily criticised during their time at Old Trafford worked together brilliantly to score United's first goal.

Harry Maguire was a laughing stock at the club for a long time, but he was the last-gasp hero against Olympique Lyonnais in the quarterfinals. The center back would also have his chance tonight. He displayed excellent wing play on the right and delivered a superb cross, which was first touched by Ugarte and then headed home by Casemiro.

The Brazil international also appeared to have no future at the club over the summer, or even at the start of Ruben Amorim's tenure as head coach. Nonetheless, he has fought his way back into the team and has once again delivered for United in the most crucial times by breaking the deadlock.

Bruno Fernandes imposes his authority on the Europa League.

Before the match, the Peoples Person noted that Fernandes had the most goal involvements in the competition's history, with 29. By the end of the first half at the San Mames, he had scored twice more.

As usual, he calmly converted his penalty to give United their second goal, and he demonstrated superb finishing ability to put away his second of the game and his team's third soon before halftime.

This was enough to put him ahead of Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Lacazette, and Kevin Gameiro as the player with the most goals in the Europa League's semi-finals.

United are finally getting some luck.

The Red Devils have deemed themselves unlucky in the league, having been on the receiving end of some controversial decisions this season. They have also experienced sustained bad luck, with several key players missing large periods of the season.

Their fortunes have been very different in the Europa League, as this was the third knockout round in a row that their opponent was sent off at a critical moment.

Real Sociedad lost a player in the second leg, which was tied 2-2 on aggregate. United went on to win the contest 4-1 and tie 5-2. Lyon was also sent off just before extra time in the second quarter-final at Old Trafford.

Dani Vivian received a red card after 35 minutes with the visiting team leading 1-0.

Ruben Amorim will be hoping United's luck continues in the second leg and final if they are to make it there.

Timely recovery from injuries

Matthijs de Ligt entered the game for the final 30 minutes to strengthen the United defense.

The Dutchman has been out of action for some weeks due to injury, but his return will be a significant help to the United defence. De Ligt has been one of the club's top players this season.

Amad also returned to the game after being injured for months, playing the final 10 minutes. The Ivorian was one of the few bright spots in the early season, and United fans will hope he can stay healthy for the final month of the season.

Ugarte is adding goal involvements to his game.

The Uruguayan was brought to the team as a destroyer and was not known for his ball skills. He struggled with possession in the early stages and was dangerously dispossessed a few times.

Nonetheless, he recorded two assists in the first half and once again made an impact in the attacking third. The first assist was a flicked header, but the second was a fantastic touch that showed a calm presence in such an advanced position.

Ugarte scored the first goal in the most recent Europa League match, and United fans will be thrilled if the Uruguayan can continue to add to his resume during his time in Manchester.

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