Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Preview
- Draw or Bilbao win
- Both teams to score
The UEFA Europa League final will be held at San Mamés, meaning Athletic Club have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lift silverware on home soil. But first, they must navigate a tough semi-final against Manchester United. Ernesto Valverde’s men have already eliminated British opposition in this season’s competition, seeing off Rangers in the quarter-finals, and they hold a favourable historical head-to-head (H2H) record against United (W3, L1).
That H2H advantage includes wins in both previous home meetings, and they famously eliminated the Red Devils across two legs during the 2011/12 UEL season en route to the final. That same season also saw them win both of their previous UEFA semi-finals, and with a perfect home record in this season’s competition (W6), scoring 14 goals and conceding just twice, confidence in Bilbao is understandably high.
Manchester United’s European resilience
Despite an inconsistent domestic campaign, Manchester United have found sanctuary in Europe. Ruben Amorim’s men have defied expectations throughout this UEFA Europa League run, going unbeaten in the competition (W7, D5) to reach their 18th European semi-final (W8, L9).
A spectacular comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals, with three goals in seven minutes including a pair after the 120th minute, has added to the sense of destiny surrounding their run. United have shown an improving away European record too, losing just one of their last nine trips to Spain (W5, D3, L1), which will offer a psychological boost heading into one of the continent’s most atmospheric stadiums.
Head-to-head and tactical edge
Athletic Club have dominated this fixture historically, most notably eliminating United in 2011/12 with wins in both legs. Their high-pressing, dynamic style under Valverde has troubled English sides in the past, and their form at San Mamés has been irreproachable this season in Europe.
Manchester United will likely sit deep and look to exploit transitions, especially through the pace of Rasmus Højlund and wide support from Alejandro Garnacho. Amorim’s tactical discipline has turned them into European survivors, but with injury doubts and defensive fragility, a first-leg away goal will be vital.
Players to watch
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Freshly returned from injury, the electric winger has four goals in his last three UEL home appearances, two of which were first-half openers.
His direct running and creativity will be key to unlocking United’s backline.
Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United)
Having scored in United’s weekend fixture, the Dane has three UEL away goals this season, and two of those came after half-time.
His movement and ability to exploit space could be decisive, especially in the latter stages.
Hot stat
Only one of Manchester United’s last 63 European matches has ended goalless — suggesting a lively night at San Mamés is almost guaranteed.
Prediction: Athletic Club 2-1 Manchester United
Athletic’s form at home and historical edge give them the advantage, but with United’s counterattacking threat and recent resilience in Europe, they’ll likely find a way onto the scoresheet to keep the tie alive.
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Man Utd vs Athletic Club | UEFA Europa League 2024/25