Athletic Club vs Manchester United Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This is undoubtedly the standout tie of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, as Athletic Bilbao hopes to make the final in their home ground when they take on a Manchester United side whose Champions League aspirations rest on this competition.

Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten at home in the UEFA Europa League, having won all six matches at the San Mames in this competition. Despite what the recent form may suggest, Manchester United can still cause the hosts some adversity, as the Red Devils are the only side unbeaten across European Football season.

You would still have Athletic Bilbao as the favourites for this fixture. The last three meetings between the two sides have left the hosts unbeaten, as they face a Manchester United side that has only won once in their previous five matches in all competitions.

This will arguably be a huge test for Ruben Amorim’s side, and unfortunately for them, we think they will fall short in their quest to secure a result in Spain. The Red Devils can still hurt Bilbao, having scored in their last two away knockout matches. Still, ultimately Bilbao are likely to have enough quality to beat Amorim’s side on the night and take a 2-1 lead heading into Old Trafford next week.

Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Manchester United

Two of the favourites for the Europa League meet on Thursday, as Manchester United travel to Bilbao to face a home side desperate to have a home final in this season’s competition.

Date: 01/05/2024
Location: San Mames, Bilbao.
Kick-Off: 8 pm

Athletic Bilbao are in an excellent position in the league, as well as in this competition. The home side are in fourth place in La Liga and six points clear of sixth-placed Real Betis, as the home side looks set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. This competition also provides the hosts with an excellent opportunity to win a European trophy at their own home, with the San Mames hosting the final in May. Ernesto Valverde’s side reached the final in 2012, where they were beaten by Atletico Madrid thanks to a brace from Radamel Falcao.

Athletic Bilbao finished second in the league phase of this competition, level on points with Lazio (19) and have only lost twice in this competition this season, having beaten Rangers and AS Roma over two legs to reach the semi-finals.

Manchester United’s season literally rests on a UEFA Europa League triumph. Having seen their bitter rivals, Liverpool, equal their league tally after all these years, the Red Devils must win the UEFA Europa League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Any potential financial windfall will also help the club’s economic situation, as it is make-or-break for the club.

Ruben Amorim’s tenure has been mixed, as despite progression in this competition, the Red Devils have slumped to 14th in the Premier League table. Manchester United have already beaten Spanish opposition this season, defeating Real Sociedad over two legs, followed by a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory against Lyon. Manchester United are the only side unbeaten in European competition this season.

The game will be live on TNT Sports 1.

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet will both be a welcome boost for Ernesto Valverde’s side. Williams and Sancet have both been pivotal for the home side, and despite their injury scare, both will be available for the first leg.

Manchester United Team News

Diogo Dalot is now out for the rest of the season, as confirmed by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo are also unavailable for Manchester United. However, the likes of Diallo and de Ligt are expected to be returning to the squad in the coming weeks.

Athletic Bilbao:

Athletic Bilbao have met Manchester United only twice in this competition, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side knocking out the Red Devils (5-3) on aggregate in 2012. The home side are coming into this game with excellent form as they have only lost once in their previous five matches. Bilbao have secured three wins in that run, with victories against Las Palmas (1-0), Rangers (2-0) and Rayo Vallecano (3-1).

On home soil, Athletic Bilbao have been magnificent as their last home defeat in all competitions took place in January against Osasuna (2-3) in the Copa del Rey. Athletic Bilbao have won every single home match in this competition, with notable victories against AS Roma (3-1), Viktoria Plzen (3-1) and Elfsborg (3-0).

Manchester United:

Manchester United’s only win in their previous five matches had been the 5-4 home leg against Lyon. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, as at one point, Manchester United seemed to be heading for a Europa League exit. Still, late extra-time goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire rescued the tie for the Reds.

Manchester United are heading into this game, following a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth thanks to a late equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund. In the Premier League, Manchester United have not won a game since the middle of March, as Ruben Amorim’s side are winless in the league in their previous five games.

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