Can Manchester United Overcome Athletic Club? Predicted Lineup & Match Preview

Manchester United faces a challenging matchup as they travel to meet Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal this Thursday night.

Athletic Club has often been seen as a team destined for greatness, especially with the final being held at their home ground, San Mames. However, Manchester United may feel that their recent quarterfinal success suggests that they, too, might have a shot at continental glory. Despite a difficult season domestically, they could end the 2024/25 campaign with silverware if they manage to secure a positive result in Bilbao. A good performance on Thursday could set them up nicely for the return leg next month.

Here’s a look at how Manchester United might line up for this important match against Athletic Club (using a 3-4-2-1 formation):

**Goalkeeper:** Andre Onana – Onana has been known for his unpredictable moments, and the team will need him to deliver a standout performance to keep them in contention during this crucial tie.

**Centre-Backs:**
Victor Lindelof is in line for a more prominent role with Diogo Dalot injured and Matthijs de Ligt likely out. Even though he hasn’t played much recently under manager Ruben Amorim, he might take on a wider position in the centre-back setup.

Harry Maguire is also expected to play a key role in the upcoming match. He was substituted in the last game, a move that seemed to be planned with this particular matchup in mind. He was instrumental against Lyon in the quarterfinals.
– Leny Yoro – Yoro can be relied upon to return to his left-sided role, especially as Luke Shaw is not in the starting XI.

**Right Wing-Back:** Noussair Mazraoui – With Dalot not in the squad, it looks like Mazraoui will hold onto his spot. He’s not the flashiest player on the field, but he balances stability with some great technical skills. This will be crucial when facing someone as fast as Nico Williams.

**Central Midfielders:**
Manuel Ugarte may not have the most flashy style, but he has become an essential part of the midfield. He shone in his last Europa League match. On the other hand, Casemiro, with all his experience, has formed a strong partnership with Ugarte. Together, they’ll be vital for keeping control in the midfield when facing Athletic Club.

**Left Wing-Back:** Patrick Dorgu – With the task of contributing more in attack due to Dalot’s absence, Dorgu will have an important role to play.

**Attacking Midfielders:**
Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the team’s standout player, and his creativity, along with his knack for influencing the gam, will be crucial in this semifinal matchup. On the other hand, Alejandro Garnacho will be essential as well. United requires players who can make those important runs behind the defense, and Garnacho, despite having some ups and downs, is a hardworking option who will be looking to find space and make an impact.

**Striker:** Rasmus Hojlund – Following his recent goal, Hojlund is eager to carry that momentum forward in what has been a tough second season for him. While he faced difficulties in the match against Lyon, he has generally been a dependable player in this tournament and stands out as one of the club’s key scorers in the competition.

This setup will be crucial for United as they aim to make a statement in this important semifinal clash.