Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao: Red Devils Outplayed Despite Controversy

Manchester United were summarily outplayed in losing the first leg of their Europa League tie with La Liga's Athletic Bilbao by a score of 3-2.

English fans can claim to have been hard done by referee Florian Meyer. But despite a missed offside call on Bilbao's second goal, and the odd, dangerous play whistled against a shoeless Patrice Evra prior to the third, United come out of this match lucky that the Europa tie is still so close.

Bilbao Starts Strong

The Basque side came out flying. Sir Alex Ferguson's players were not able to match the intensity and the game was in danger of quickly getting out of hand. In fact, United fans will need to adjust their opinions of goalkeeper David De Gea after he single-handedly kept the match competitive.

The front three for Bilbao (Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain Goñi and Oscar de Marco) ran rampant through the home side's back four virtually all evening.

Meanwhile, the complete absence of any United presence in midfield allowed Bilbao midfielders Markel Susaeta and Ander Herrera to pass around, over and through at their leisure.

United Catch a Break

Despite being comprehensively outplayed, United struck first when a quickly played free kick caught Bilbao flat-footed.

Ryan Giggs drove at the defense before laying the ball off for Javier Hernandez. The Mexican cut back onto his left before unleashing a shot that was just kept out by keeper Gorka Iraizoz.

Iraizoz saved, but didn't hold the shot. That allowed Wayne Rooney to put the rebound away and give United a very undeserved 1-0 lead.

The Basque Strike Back

Bilbao were not fazed by the Rooney goal. They continued to dominate possession and created a raft of dangerous opportunities.

Their pressure paid off in the 44th minute when Llorente received the ball with his back to goal at the top of the United area.

The striker held off a pair of defenders before continuing the movement by playing out to the right side. As the ball found its way to a streaking winger, Llorente attacked the six-yard box. The cross came in and Bilbao's No. 9 headed home as United right-back Rafael flinched from the contact.

More of the Same

Ferguson likely tore into his side during the break. But his famous hairdryer treatment showed little result, as United came out just as flat in the second half.

The midfield pairing of Ryan Giggs and Phil Jones were invisible, as Bilbao mounted attack after attack. Just five minutes into the half, Muniain found the ball at his feet 25 yards from goal. The United back line dropped off as a unit, allowed Muniain to sizzle in a shot that took every inch of De Gea's lanky frame to keep out.

Two minutes later, Llorente was played in on the left side and forced another save from De Gea at his near post. Llorente followed that chance seconds later with a shot rifled in from the top of the area. Once again, De Gea came up with the save.

A Brilliant Movement Results in an Offside Goal

Despite their dominance, it was not until the 72nd minute that Bilbao marshaled the precision to beat De Gea again.

A beautiful movement on the left side of the area resulted in a ball scooped up and over the retreating defenders. De Marcos reached it as it dropped and smashed a left-footed volley past a blameless De Gea to put the visitors ahead, 2-1.

The move was fantastic, but replays showed De Marcos was half a yard offside when the inspired final ball was played.

United Finally Wake Up

The men in red did not wake up until Nani was introduced for the final 15 minutes of the game. By then it was too late. The Portuguese winger sparked things just a few minutes after coming on for a virtually invisible Giggs.

With Bilbao tiring from the frenetic pace they'd sustained from the opening whistle, United finally found themselves able to get on the ball consistently. A Wayne Rooney drive from the top of the area announced that the EPL giants had finally come to play.

The next 10 minutes were the only bright spot for Ferguson's men in the match. However, they were unable to break the slowing Bilbao defense.

Patrice Evra Loses His Shoe

In the 89th minute, Patrice Evra lost his shoe as United built down the left side. He continued playing and distributed a pass while shoeless. The referee whistled for dangerous play. The home side and home fans were incensed. United players demanded Bilbao play the resulting free kick back to them.

Bilbao refused and played a long ball forward. After a group of players jumped for the header, the ball fell to the ever-dangerous De Marcos. He streaked in on goal and got his shot away. De Gea got a glove to it, but saw the rebound trickle away.

As De Gea scrambled to get to the rebound, Bilbao's little forward Muniain bore down on the ball. Streaking past a sleeping Rafael, Muniain smashed the ball into the United goal just as De Gea lunged to save it. 

United Get More Than They Deserve

It would have ended 3-1 but for De Marcos' lone mistake of the evening. As time ticked down, he threw a hand up to block a United cross just inside the top corner of the box.

After a whistle and a converted Rooney penalty kick, the final margin ended up much more flattering to Manchester United than to the visitors.

Bilbao will look to defend their 3-2 advantage when they host United for the second leg March 15.