Manchester United return to UEFA Europa League action on Thursday evening as they travel to San Mames to face Athletic Club in the first leg of the semi-final.
The Red Devils are undefeated in the Europa League this season, and are the only team in any European competition to be undefeated. This puts them in a good place, at least for now. Ruben Amorim’s side staged quite a dramatic comeback against French side Lyon, beating them 5-4 in the quarter-finals’ return leg at Old Trafford (7-6) on aggregate.
Now, the Mancunian giants come up against a well-oiled Athletic Bilbao side, who will be desperate to play the final in front of their home fans at San Mames on May 21. With the Europa League the only realistic route to clinch Champions League qualification for next season, here we look at three Manchester United players who have to step up against the Spanish side.
- Luke Shaw
For the first time in 14 months, Luke Shaw started for Manchester United in the 1-1 draw with 10-man Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Englishman was understandably rusty in the second leg against Lyon, failing to do his job well. Yet, Ruben Amorim kept faith in him, and that led to the defender completing 90 minutes at Bournemouth.
In midweek, Shaw is expected to be a part of the three-man backline against Bilbao. At this moment, the left centre-back position appears his best position as it allows him to select passing angles in a better way and build up attacks from the back. The England international will have a tough task on his hands as Bilbao like to press high up on the pitch, and hence he might need to plug any leaks in the defence for his team.
- Patrick Dorgu
A January recruit from Serie A side Lecce, Patrick Dorgu is yet to live up to the expectations of the Old Trafford faithful.
Having immediately slotted in at left wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, the youngster has struggled to acclimatise with the demands of English football. The Denmark international continues to blow more cold than hot, and only time will tell how far he goes to unlock his true potential at the club.
However, for now, Dorgu needs to step up and deliver a strong outing at San Mames. The wing-back must link up well with Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho on his flank and try to cause problems to La Liga’s best defence.
- Andre Onana
Andre Onana was the centre of attention during the Europa League quarters for his exchange of words with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic. The Man United No.1 failed to back up his words with a strong performance in the first leg in France, conceding two poor goals.
The Cameroonian international was better in the return leg and made some key saves to help his side beat the French side, thereby having the last laugh over Matic. Yet, the pressure will be on Onana to perform.
The spotlight will be on him in such an important match, and it would be essential for Onana to silence the critics. How the 29-year-old commands his box and distributes the ball will be important against a well-drilled Bilbao side. All in all, this game gives the African shot-stopper a huge opportunity to prove his worth for United and show Amorim why he has a future at the club.
