Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Manchester United: United exit Europa League

An outstanding Athletic Bilbao outfit scored through Fernando Llorente and Oscar de Marcos either side of the interval and now Sir Alex Ferguson will discover what effect a second European exit in a single season has on his team, who look to open up a four-point gap on Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League by winning at Wolves on Sunday.

Certainly, a club so proud of its European heritage has no reason to look back on this season’s exploits with any fondness.

The Red Devils recorded just three wins in 10 games, and two of them came against Romanian unknowns Otelul Galati in a woeful Champions League group that contained a Basel team that conceded seven to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

United did create a very early opening against the Basques when Park Ji-sung sent Rooney running free but the striker opted to cross instead of shoot.

Patrice Evra headed Javi Martinez’s effort off the line as Athletic’s pressure mounted and Iker Muniain hit the base of a post with David de Gea beaten.

Athletic took the lead when Fernando Amorebieta launched a long ball across the pitch from halfway. The ball dropped over Rio Ferdinand’s shoulder and Llorente met it with a first-time volley, that gave De Gea no chance.

It was the least Athletic deserved after proving their Old Trafford triumph was no fluke and meant United had to score at least three times to go through, something they did not appear capable of.

When De Marcos netted Athletic’s second from Iraola’s cross in the 65th minute, the game was up.

Ten minutes from time Rooney curled home a brilliant effort of his own but it was too late for United

Athletic Bilbao2

Llorente (23), De Marcos (65)

Manchester United1

Rooney 80

Bilbao won 5-3 on aggregate