MANCHESTER: Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani each scored twice as Manchester United thrashed Roma 6-2 in the first semi-final of the Europa League at Old Trafford.

United are hunting for a ticket to the first final under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after being stranded four times in the semi -finals over the past two seasons.

Only a big surprise in Roma will thwart their dreams of meeting Villarreal or Arsenal in the final in Gdansk on May 26.

The home side trailed late in the first half after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s penalty and Edin Dzeko’s goal overcame Fernandes’ opening goal.

But the visitors lost three players to injury before the break and United took full advantage in the second half.

Two solid finishes by Cavani put United back in front before Fernandes also completed a penalty.

Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood completed United’s victory as the first team to score six goals in the Europa League semi -finals after Real Madrid in 1964.

“We know we have creative players, players who are capable of creating big chances, scoring goals, the question is to put them in the right place.

“Marcus (Rashford), Bruno, Paul, Edinson are all capable. The difference is that we take advantage of almost all of our opportunities,” Solskjaer said.