After fielding their strongest lineup against Lens on August 5th, it was no surprise that Man Utd took to the field with a lineup of substitutes to face Bilbao today.
This resulted in the Red Devils dominating possession but lacking efficiency in their finishing. Despite controlling the game, they paid the price for a costly mistake.
In the 29th minute, as usual, Harry Maguire, who started the match, made an error. In an attempt to pass from the back, Man Utd’s number 5 passed the ball straight to midfielder Oihan Sancet from the opposing team.
The 2000-born player then played a through ball for Neco Williams to face the goalkeeper. Despite taking two attempts, the crucial opening goal went to Athletic Bilbao.
In the second half, Man Utd continued to control the ball, but the overall situation did not improve compared to the first 45 minutes. The turning point came in the 67th minute when defender Paredes received a straight red card for a clear foul on Hannibal Mejbri just outside the penalty area.
In the following minutes, Man Utd launched relentless attacks, constantly crossing the ball into the box, but they couldn’t threaten Unai Simon’s goal.
It wasn’t until the 90+3rd minute that the Red Devils managed to equalize. This time, it was Harry Maguire again, setting up Pellistri for a close-range finish to secure the 1-1 draw. Afterward, the Red Devils will focus on preparing for the new season, starting with their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 15th.
Live: Man Utd 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Golden Goal Secures Draw
90+3′ – GOOOOAL!
Wan-Bissaka crosses the ball, Maguire sets up a wall, and Pellistri finishes from close range to equalize for MU in the final minute of stoppage time.
84′ – Three consecutive yellow cards
Jonny Evans and Bilbao defenders Vivian and Imanol Garcia receive bookings for dangerous challenges.
73′ – Unfortunate
Bilbao launches a counterattack. Inaki Williams accelerates down the right flank and delivers a cross to Munian. Unfortunately, Munian’s shot hits the post despite having a decent angle.
68′ – Opportunity
Eriksen takes a swirling free kick, narrowly missing the crossbar.
67′ – Straight red card
Defender Paredes is sent off for intentionally pulling the shirt to deny a goal-scoring opportunity for Hannibal. The Red Devils will play with an extra man for the remaining 20 minutes.
66′ – It’s Maguire again
Maguire loses the ball again in their own half, allowing Inaki Williams to break free and deliver a cross into the box. Fortunately, Lindelof is there to make a crucial interception and rectify his teammate’s mistake.
63′ – Second yellow card
Defender Inigo Lekue is cautioned for a reckless foul on the opponent.
56′ – Bilbao makes a substitution
Oihan Sancet, the assist provider in the first half, is replaced by 20-year-old star Unai Gomez.
46′ – Both teams make substitutions
MU: Hannibal replaces Van De Beek.
Bilbao: Villalibre replaces Nico Williams.
SECOND HALF BEGINS
