Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final and will look to fully secure their progress with a positive result against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils were rampant in last week’s first leg at San Mames, scoring three times in the opening half and cruising to a 3-0 victory against a 10-man Athletic Bilbao side. Having the second leg at home would be a bonus for teams, but the English giants’ home form has been a struggle all season, and they have failed to win back-to-back league games at Old Trafford throughout the course of the campaign.
This is something Ruben Amorim and Co. will want to change in midweek against the Spanish side, who have named a 24-man travelling squad that is without big names such as Inaki Williams, Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet.
Manchester United Team News
Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out for the visit of Athletic Bilbao with a foot problem that he sustained in the thrilling 4-3 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League on the weekend.
Noussair Mazraoui is available, after being rested for the game at Brentford on Sunday, while Christian Eriksen is expected to be in the squad despite missing training on Wednesday.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Athletic Bilbao (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana was afforded a breather against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Altay Bayindir deputising in goal on Sunday. However, the Cameroonian will don the gloves on Thursday, aiming to keep back-to-back clean sheets against Athletic Bilbao.
Defence
In a 3-4-2-1 system, Ruben Amorim could pick Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro to form his back three in the Man United lineup. All three started the Brentford game on the bench but came on as substitutes.
Maguire should operate as the central centre-back, with Lindelof and Yoro on either side of the England international. The trio have to be at their best to keep the Spanish visitors quiet.
Midfield
Casemiro was given a breather on Sunday as well, remaining an unused substitute in the 4-3 defeat to Brentford. The experienced Brazilian should be fresh to start here in the Man United lineup, partnering Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park. The South American duo must keep things simple and try winning the battles against the technically sound Bilbao midfielders.
Noussair Mazraoui is available again, which is a big boost for the home side. He will occupy the right wing-back slot, with Patrick Dorgu bringing energy, thrust and running power from the opposite flank in the Man United lineup.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes should also be fresh to start on Thursday after being unused substitutes at Brentford. Hojlund is set to spearhead the attack, with captain Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho providing support in attack in the Man United lineup.
Amad Diallo, who scored a goal in the 4-3 defeat to Brentford, should be raring to get himself on the scoresheet if called on from the bench. The likes of Christian Eriksen, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount will hope to get opportunities off the bench as well.
