Ruben Amorim believes Rasmus Hojlund produced his best performance under him as Manchester’s head coach against Athletic Bilbao.

Hojlund led the line for United again in the Europa League semi-final first leg at San Mames, where they won by an unexpected three-goal margin.

After Casemiro’s 30th-minute opening goal, Hojlund was hauled down by Athletic defender Dani Vivian. Following an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee, a penalty was given, Vivian was sent off and Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick.

Hojlund did not score and his record now is two goals in 30 United games but Amorim was pleased with his contribution in Spain.

“I think it was the best game that he had with me as a coach.,” Amorim opined. “He helped the team a lot, he secured the ball and then made the runs, he decided quite well.

“It is a good moment for him but, like Harry (Maguire), he needs to understand that everything can change. So let’s focus on the next one. This is in the past. We have a tough job to do on Sunday and Thursday.”

Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first-leg of the Europa League semifinal on Thursday.