Manchester United are 90 minutes away from returning to the Europa League and will start the semi-final second leg on Thursday with a 3-0 lead.
Ruben Amorim will be surprisingly calm in advance of the semi-final second leg on Thursday night at Old Trafford.
Barring a complete capitulation, Manchester United’s first-half work in San Mames last week should be enough to end Athletic Club’s chances, with the margin simply too big.
Ernesto Valverde would have had some hope of Bilbao staging what would have been a historic comeback for the Basque side, but this has surely now been dashed.
Athletic Club’s 24-man squad is without Inaki Williams or Nico Williams, which sees the brothers join the injury list alongside Oihan Sancet. These are Bilbao’s three top scorers, all missing for a game in which they will need a minimum of three goals.
This hands United a real advantage in terms of keeping Bilbao’s attack at bay and making it a comfortable night, although Harry Maguire has insisted the tie is not done yet.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesHow Manchester United could line-up against Athletic Club
It promises to be another loud night at Old Trafford, with United planning a brand new Bruno Fernandes-approved TIFO to help with the atmosphere.
This should not be needed, with Old Trafford usually bouncing on European nights, and this Thursday should be no different, especially if United have a performance like last week.
So here is our predicted line-up for the clash against Bilbao, for a place in the final…
In goal, Onana’s position for any consequential games is safe until the summer at least, as Altay Bayindir has conceded four on each of his last two starts.
Returning to the centre-back position, Mazraoui was incredible against Athletic Club last week as he locked down Nico Williams, and after being rested at the weekend, he should start here.
Similar to Mazraoui, Maguire was brilliant for United in the first leg and was supposed to be rested at the weekend until Matthijs de Ligt’s injury. He will start here.
For many, Yoro was considered United’s ‘unsung hero’ against Bilbao with a flawless performance, which means he will absolutely be starting here.
On the right side, we are expecting to see Amad start his first game since February. Amad scored against Brentford, and his return came at the perfect time for United.
The build-up to the game for United has been clouded by Fernandes being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, which Amorim has refuted. However, there is no way he doesn’t start.
Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Casemiro got the day off against Brentford and so is nailed on to start this one. Last week, Casemiro dominated Bilbao and was United’s star man.
Back on the left after a disappointing day on the right against Brentford, Dorgu should be starting this game, although he must be rested at some point.
The pressure is off for the attack on Thursday, but we still see Amorim going strong with Mount starting. Against Brentford, Mount scored his first goal of the season and will want to add another.
Despite being tipped as a possible summer sale, Garnacho is in fine form for United with a goal and an assist at the weekend. He has become key for Amorim and surely starts here.
In the first leg, Amorim said that Hojlund had his best game for United, and after being rested against Brentford, he is nailed on to start here.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Athletic Club / GRV Media line-up tool