Manchester United is set to face Athletic Club in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final at Old Trafford, with a spot in the final up for grabs. In the first leg, United stunned Athletic with a 3-0 win at Estadio de San Mamés, led by a brilliant performance from Bruno Fernandes, who scored two goals and is now a top contender for the competition’s golden boot.
Manchester United is heading into this match in fantastic shape, having gone 13 Europa League games without a loss, with 8 victories and 5 draws under their belt. Meanwhile, Athletic Club is facing a challenge, but they’re still optimistic despite the significant gap they need to bridge. Their coach, Ruben Amorim, is keeping the team focused, emphasizing that everything can shift in the course of a single game. Defender Yeray Álvarez is focused on maintaining confidence and is determined to push for a comeback.
**Possible Line-ups:**
**Manchester United:** Onana; Lindelöf, Yoro, Maguire; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho
*Injuries: Martínez (knee), Zirkzee (hamstring), Dalot (calf), Heaven (leg), De Ligt (knock)*
**Athletic Club:** Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Paredes, Yeray Álvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz De Galarreta, Jaureguizar; Djaló, Berenguer, Gómez; Sannadi
*Injuries: Vivian (suspended), Sancet (muscular), I. Williams (hamstring), N. Williams (groin)*
**Recent Form:**
– **Manchester United:** LWDLWL (Latest: Lost 4-3 to Brentford in Premier League)
– **Athletic Club:** DLWLWW (Latest: Drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad in La Liga)
Steve Bates, our match reporter, notes that United has been in top form but acknowledges that Athletic, despite their struggles, poses a real threat as they look to turn the tie around.
Both coaches share an understanding of the stakes. Ruben Amorim insists they’re prepared to fight for every inch, while Alejandro Garnacho emphasizes the significance of this match, almost like a final for the squad aiming for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
