Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Preview

• Draw
• Both teams to score

Manchester United are on the brink of reaching their third UEFA Europa League (UEL) final, and while their Premier League campaign continues to spiral into disappointment, lifting Europe’s secondary club competition has offered a rare beacon of hope. The Red Devils produced one of their best European performances in recent memory last week, dismantling Athletic Club 3-0 at San Mamés, which coincidentally is also the venue for this year’s final.

Now returning to Old Trafford for the second leg, United hold a commanding advantage. But as has often been the case this season under Ruben Amorim, the journey has rarely been smooth. Despite being unbeaten in the UEL this term (W8, D5), they’ve had a habit of getting into chaotic, high-scoring affairs that test the nerves of their fanbase. That pattern re-emerged at the weekend, when they were soundly beaten 4-3 by Brentford in the Premier League – a reminder that defensive lapses remain a major concern.

Nonetheless, the statistics favour United progressing comfortably. They’ve never failed to advance in European competition after winning the first leg away from home – a perfect 20-from-20 record in such scenarios. Amorim’s men have also shown resilience on home turf, especially in Europe, and will be buoyed by the fact that all five of their previous European meetings with Athletic Club have produced at least three goals – a sign that we could be in for another entertaining encounter.

Athletic Face Monumental Task

Athletic Club head to Manchester knowing they need a near-miracle to reach the final on home soil. Their performance in the first leg was far below expectations, as they crumbled under the pressure of a passionate home crowd and fell apart defensively. A drab 0-0 draw with local rivals Real Sociedad at the weekend did little to boost morale, and Ernesto Valverde’s men must now produce a performance of historic proportions to rescue their European dream.

Their recent European away form offers little encouragement. Athletic are winless in their last three UEL road trips (D1, L2), and worse still, they’ve tasted defeat in seven of their last nine away matches against English sides (W1, D1). The one win in that sequence, however, did come at Old Trafford in 2012 during a stunning 3-2 triumph en route to the Europa League final under Marcelo Bielsa – a game still fondly remembered by the club’s supporters.

Valverde’s side have only ever lost both legs of a UEFA knockout tie twice in their history, but that fate appears all but inevitable here unless they can conjure up something truly special. Making matters worse, no team has ever overturned a first-leg home defeat by three or more goals to reach the next round of a major European competition – meaning Athletic would be writing history if they were to accomplish the unthinkable.

Key Players to watch out for

For United, the plan is clear – manage the game, avoid early mistakes, and punish Athletic on the break. Rested at the weekend, club captain Bruno Fernandes should lead the charge.

The Portuguese playmaker has been outstanding in Europe, scoring six goals and assisting once in five UEL knockout appearances this season. His creativity and composure could be decisive in keeping United in control.

Athletic’s hopes may rest on Iñaki Williams, who has been their standout performer in the UEL this season.

Remarkably, all four of his European goals in this campaign have been his side’s opening strike, with three of those coming away from home. If the Basque outfit are to make a fast start, Williams is likely to be at the heart of it.

Hot Stat

Eight of Manchester United’s last nine UEL home matches have seen both teams score – including all four of their most recent meetings with Spanish opposition at Old Trafford.

Prediction

With a 3-0 lead in hand, home advantage, and a fully rested Bruno Fernandes, it’s hard to see anything other than United progressing. Athletic will fight, but the deficit may be too much to overcome. Expect goals, but also expect United to book their place in the final.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Man Utd vs Athletic Club | UEFA Europa League 2024/25