UEFA Europa League Semi-Final Second Leg: Manchester United vs Athletic Club – Team News, Predicted Line-ups & Match Preview

Manchester United are all set to face Athletic Club on Thursday at Old Trafford in a bid to secure their spot in the UEFA Europa League finals. In the first leg at San Mames, Manchester United scored three goals while Athletic Club was left high and dry with the red card in the first half that would have derailed their chances of comeback in the second leg.  

In the recently concluded Premier League fixture, Manchester United and Ruben Amorim decided to rotate their squad heavily in a bid to keep the players fresh for the second leg. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casemiro were rested completely whereas Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof played half the minutes that they would have usually played. Against Brentford, the club could not get over the line but the manager was happy about the efforts that his side put in. They made a comeback from 4-1 to 4-3 with a half-strength squad that consisted of youngsters, including Chido Obi Martin, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson. The club will look forward to amending the mistakes they made before they face the Spanish outfit.

Athletic Club faced the 11th-placed Real Sociedad in the La Liga fixture over the weekend. The Athletic Club did rotate their squad by making seven changes. Despite fielding a strong XI, the Athletic Club could not break the solid resistance from Real Sociedad, ending the game in a stalemate. Athletic Club had only three shots of which one was on target whereas Sociedad had 12 shots in the ninety minutes. They would look to make their attack incisive and creative gameplay better to break the resistance of Manchester United in the second leg. 

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Team News and Injury News

Manchester United lost Matthijs de Ligt in the game against Brentford in the first half. The Dutch central defender had made his way back into the playing XI from injury but he was again ruled out from the squad. Following the former Ajax defender’s injury, Amorim also withdrew Luke Shaw to avoid any further injury escalations. Noussar Mazroui did not feature in the game against Brentford but is expected to make it to the playing XI against the La Liga outfit as the club dearly needs him to fill the spot in the right back in the absence of Diogo Dalot. Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee, and Lisandro Martinez will remain long-term absentees for the side and are expected to make it back into the side post the end of the campaign. 

On the other hand, Athletic Club will be disappointed to not have Dani Vivian for the crucial clash against the Red Devils. Vivian was shown a red card after he pulled Rasmus Hojlund in an attempt to stop the goal. This also ended up in a potential penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted to double the lead. The club might miss the services of Oihan Sancet who has the potential to control the midfield. The club might also be sweating over Nico Williams’ fitness as he just made a comeback from a groin injury. It remains interesting to see if the player makes it into the final squad to face Manchester United. Oscar De Marcos also faces a fitness issue as he looks forward to making it in time for the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals. 

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Match Info

Time: 12:30 AM IST, 09th May, Friday

Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Predicted Line-ups 

Manchester United:  Andre Onana, Noussar Mazruoi, Harry Maguire, Lenny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund

Athletic Club: Julen Agirrezabala, Oscar De Marcos, Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Yuri Berchiche, Mikel Jauregizar, Ruiz De Galarreta, Iñaki Williams, Alex Berenguer, Nico Williams, Maroan Sannadi

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Key Players to look out for 

Manchester United will hope to see the best version of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Casemiro who have been instrumental in the side’s Europa League pursuit. On the other hand, Athletic Club will hope Inaki and Nico Williams to come to the party as they have to erase the three-goal lead. 

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Prediction

With the three goals that the home side boasts ahead of the crucial second tie, we can expect Manchester United to go through the second leg with ease. While the Red Devils might face a stiff challenge from the Spanish outfit, with fresh legs available at their disposal, the Ruben Amorim-led side should be able to have a rosy path towards the finals.