Athletic Club Vs Manchester United Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Europa League

Athletic Club Vs Manchester United Preview

Tournament: UEFA Europa League

Date: Friday, May 2

Kick-off time: 19:00 GMT

Venue: San Mames

Athletic Club are set to tussle with Manchester United for the final berth as they take on them in the 1st leg of the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League at the San Mames. This clash will be exciting to watch as two of the best sides in the competition face off against each other.

Athletic Club are having a good season as they occupy fourth place in the La Liga standings. They have accumulated 60 points this season with Champions League places within reach. Under Ernesto Valverde, they have become an exciting side who are dangerous on counterattack and relies on their defense to start from the back.

In this last match in this competition, they secured the elimination of Scottish giants Rangers on a 2-0 aggregate to book their place in the semifinal. They are also currently in good form despite losing against Real Madrid; they have remained unbeaten in the other nine matches, courtesy of five wins and four draws. Oihan Sancet is their top scorer this season with 15 goals, and Inaki Williams provides the most assists with 8.

Manchester United, on the other hand, can be proud of their performance in this competition with the way they made a comeback against Lyon to secure their place in the semifinal. It was an exciting match which had drama, goals, as the Red Devils dug in the end to pull a famous comeback.

This competition is their best chance of securing Champions League football next season, as their league position has been pathetic. Ruben Amorim's side are currently languishing in 14th position in the table, their worst in the top flight after 34 matches.

One positive for them has been the form of Bruno Fernandes, who has been leading the goalscoring and assists chart with 17 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.

Athletic Club Team News

Athletic Club have a fully fit squad to choose from, apart from Oihan Sancet, who remains a doubt for this match after suffering a knock in the last match, which saw him substituted at the start of the match. Nico Williams is also likely to start here after getting a much-needed break in the last match. He could be the danger outlet given the pace he brings onto the pitch.

Manchester United Team News

Ruben Amorim will feel hard done by the amount of injuries his side are dealing with at the moment. The latest being Joshua Zirkzee and Diego Dalot, who were ever-present in the main eleven. The other absentees are Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer. The good news for them is Amad Diallo is back in training and could be available to feature in the final if Manchester United reach the final.

Athletic Club Vs Manchester United Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Simon

Defenders: de Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche

Midfielders: de Galarreta, Prados

Attackers: I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta

Manchester United predicted lineup (3-5-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Onana

Defenders: Yoro, Maguire, Shaw

Midfielders: Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu

Attackers: Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund

Athletic Club Vs Manchester United H2H Record

Athletic Club and Manchester United have crossed paths three times before this clash, in which the home team has been superior with two wins and a draw against them. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw for both sides.

Key players to watch in Athletic Club Vs Manchester United

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Nico Williams has emerged as one of the most exciting wingers in world football, having burst onto the scene during the Euros. Since then, he has been a revelation for the club, delivering goals and assists more consistently.

This season is no different with Nico already racking up five goals and assists each in the league and five goals and two assists in this competition. With his frightening pace and dribbling skills, the Red Devils will have a tough day handling him.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes has been the difference-maker for them this season in their underwhelming campaign. The Portuguese midfielder has again racked up crazy numbers, having already crossed the 30 G/A contribution, the only one in the team.

He played a crucial role in the win over Lyon in the last round, providing an assist in the 1st leg and scoring in the second leg to turn around the tie. He will again be crucial here to help the Red Devils take something from the tie with his creativity and goalscoring exploits.

Athletic Club Vs Manchester United Prediction

We have an exciting clash coming up between two of the best sides in the competition. Both teams have done well in this competition but their form in the league has been a little concerning. However, we expect this match to be a tight one with both sides taking no risk, which will make things difficult in the second leg.

Predicted Score: Athletic Club 2-2 Manchester United

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