Manchester United prepare for their biggest match of the season when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday for a mouth-watering UEFA Europa League semi-final 1st leg.
The phenomenal comeback win against Lyon in the quarter-finals must have given United the confidence boost heading into the business end of the competition.
It is also their only way to salvage an otherwise dreadful domestic campaign.
The lead-up to the semi-finals has also been bleak, having suffered a defeat against Wolves followed by a last-gasp draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Red Devils were staring at another defeat before Rasmus Hojlund managed an equaliser in the stoppage time against the Cherries.
Sitting 14th in the league table, Ruben Amorim will be determined to go all out for the UEL trophy.
However, it will not be plain sailing against Athletic Club, who have been in great form in all competitions this season.
They comprehensively defeated Scottish side Rangers in the previous round and as far as their league form is concerned, they are well-positioned to secure the Champions League qualification, sitting fourth in the table.
Manager Ernesto Valverde has forged a side which looks capable of beating top teams on their day. The Lions will look to make Manchester United their next victim.
Team News
Manchester United will continue to be without Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot, who are expected to miss the rest of the season through injuries.
However, United can be optimistic about the potential return of Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo.
De Ligt has been absent since suffering an injury against Nottingham Forest at the start of the month, but he will make it to the squad against Athletic Club.
Diallo will also be a part of the squad though it will be too early to see any game time.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Athletic Bilbao
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana will continue between the sticks despite a string of inconsistent performances. The time has come for him to make amends and rise to the occasion.
Defence
The trio of Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw will form the bedrock of the central defence in the Man United lineup. Maguire, who scored the winning strike against Lyon, will be eager to make his mark in the semi-finals.
Midfield
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui will flank the midfield as the wing-backs. Both will be pivotal in Amorim’s system against the Lions.
Casemiro will continue to patrol the midfield in the Man United lineup after his influential performance against Lyon, and Manuel Ugarte could partner him to bring maximum solidity.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes will be at the heart of United’s attack as the withdrawn playmaker, while resurgent Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will look to bring more directness and killer instincts inside the box.
