Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United LIVE commentary: Amorim faces crucial Europa League semi-final clash in Basque Country
Manchester United will be in the Basque Country this week to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals, live on talkSPORT. The Red Devils are into the last four of UEFA’s secondary competition after a dramatic comeback against Lyon. Harry Maguire’s late header secured a huge win for the Red Devils over LyonGetty Trailing 6-4 on aggregate in extra-time, Ruben Amorim‘s men managed to beat ten-man Lyon before needing penalties, with Harry Maguire scoring the winner. It was the best result of the Amorim reign so far, but attention has now switched to the semi-finals. Standing in United’s way are Athletic Bilbao, who have arguably been the best side in the competition. Plus, the final is set to be held at their home ground, which is a massive incentive to make the showpiece. Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: Last chance Since Amorim joined United, the club’s league form hasn’t improved, and they find themselves in the bottom half of the table. The Red Devils are not even close to being in the conversation for European football through the Premier League. That means all the attention is on the Europa League, where the prize is Champions League football. If they were able to win this tournament, it would turn a shambolic season into a successful one. So, that is how important these two games against Bilbao are, if they lose, their campaign is over. Nico Williams is one man Amorim’s men will have to be aware ofGetty This is the first European meeting between Athletic Club and Manchester United since the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League last 16 – under Marcelo Bielsa, Athletic won both legs (3-2 away, 2-1 home) and eventually reached that season’s final. Manchester United have lost three out of four European matches against Athletic Club, with their one win coming back in February 1957 in the second leg of that season’s European Cup quarter-final, a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford which took them into the semi-final 6-5 on aggregate. Athletic Club have reached their third European semi-final and they progressed from the previous two: in 1976-77 against RWD Molenbeek in the UEFA Cup and 2011-12 against Sporting CP in the UEFA Europa League. Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: Team news Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee‘s seasons are over. It also looking increasingly likely that Diogo Dalot also might not kick another ball this year. Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo are all a bit closer to returning but are unlikely to be involved in this leg. Toby Collyer and Altay Bayindir are also struggling with muscle injuries. Meanwhile, the home side are sweating over the fitness of two key players. Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet are yet to be seen in training this week. The duo played just over 20 minutes each at the weekend and will need late fitness tests. Man United hope to have Amad back soonGetty Manchester United are the only side still unbeaten in this season’s UEFA Europa League (W7 D5). Their 12 games without defeat are their longest in major European competition since going 15 in a row between November 2016 and October 2017. Athletic Club have won all six of their home UEFA Europa League matches this season at San Mamés. The last side to win seven home games in one campaign was Ajax in 2016-17. Manchester United have scored 28 UEFA Europa League goals this season, their most since scoring 34 goals in 2020-21, a club record in a major European season. They’ve had the most shots (222) and touches in the opposition box (458) of any side in this season’s competition. Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: What has been said? United legend Paul Scholes believes that even winning the Europa League wouldn’t save their season. He said: “Man United have been a disaster in the Premier League this year. “It’s been really difficult to watch and again it was difficult once more against Bournemouth. The Europa League has given them a little bit of life. “Winning it will not save their season because the Premier League is your bread and butter and that’s where you’ll be judged, and I think Amorim knows that. “There’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with the Europa League for the fans especially. “They’ve got a tough game against Athletic Club as they’re one of the better teams left in the competition. I think being at home in the second leg helps them.” Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde will manage in a major European semi-final for the first time since the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona against Liverpool. After winning the first leg 3-0 at home, Barca lost 4-0 in the second leg and were eliminated. Ruben Amorim is unbeaten in all eight of his UEFA Europa League matches as Man Utd manager (W6 D2), the longest unbeaten start in major European competition with the Red Devils since Alex Ferguson (first 11 games unbeaten). B
Manchester United will be in the Basque Country this week to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals, live on talkSPORT.
The Red Devils are into the last four of UEFA’s secondary competition after a dramatic comeback against Lyon.
Trailing 6-4 on aggregate in extra-time, Ruben Amorim‘s men managed to beat ten-man Lyon before needing penalties, with Harry Maguire scoring the winner.
It was the best result of the Amorim reign so far, but attention has now switched to the semi-finals.
Standing in United’s way are Athletic Bilbao, who have arguably been the best side in the competition.
Plus, the final is set to be held at their home ground, which is a massive incentive to make the showpiece.
Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: Last chance
Since Amorim joined United, the club’s league form hasn’t improved, and they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.
The Red Devils are not even close to being in the conversation for European football through the Premier League.
That means all the attention is on the Europa League, where the prize is Champions League football.
If they were able to win this tournament, it would turn a shambolic season into a successful one.
So, that is how important these two games against Bilbao are, if they lose, their campaign is over.
- This is the first European meeting between Athletic Club and Manchester United since the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League last 16 – under Marcelo Bielsa, Athletic won both legs (3-2 away, 2-1 home) and eventually reached that season’s final.
- Manchester United have lost three out of four European matches against Athletic Club, with their one win coming back in February 1957 in the second leg of that season’s European Cup quarter-final, a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford which took them into the semi-final 6-5 on aggregate.
- Athletic Club have reached their third European semi-final and they progressed from the previous two: in 1976-77 against RWD Molenbeek in the UEFA Cup and 2011-12 against Sporting CP in the UEFA Europa League.
Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: Team news
Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee‘s seasons are over.
It also looking increasingly likely that Diogo Dalot also might not kick another ball this year.
Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo are all a bit closer to returning but are unlikely to be involved in this leg.
Toby Collyer and Altay Bayindir are also struggling with muscle injuries.
Meanwhile, the home side are sweating over the fitness of two key players.
Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet are yet to be seen in training this week.
The duo played just over 20 minutes each at the weekend and will need late fitness tests.
- Manchester United are the only side still unbeaten in this season’s UEFA Europa League (W7 D5). Their 12 games without defeat are their longest in major European competition since going 15 in a row between November 2016 and October 2017.
- Athletic Club have won all six of their home UEFA Europa League matches this season at San Mamés. The last side to win seven home games in one campaign was Ajax in 2016-17.
- Manchester United have scored 28 UEFA Europa League goals this season, their most since scoring 34 goals in 2020-21, a club record in a major European season. They’ve had the most shots (222) and touches in the opposition box (458) of any side in this season’s competition.
Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: What has been said?
United legend Paul Scholes believes that even winning the Europa League wouldn’t save their season.
He said: “Man United have been a disaster in the Premier League this year.
“It’s been really difficult to watch and again it was difficult once more against Bournemouth. The Europa League has given them a little bit of life.
“Winning it will not save their season because the Premier League is your bread and butter and that’s where you’ll be judged, and I think Amorim knows that.
“There’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with the Europa League for the fans especially.
“They’ve got a tough game against Athletic Club as they’re one of the better teams left in the competition. I think being at home in the second leg helps them.”
- Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde will manage in a major European semi-final for the first time since the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona against Liverpool. After winning the first leg 3-0 at home, Barca lost 4-0 in the second leg and were eliminated.
- Ruben Amorim is unbeaten in all eight of his UEFA Europa League matches as Man Utd manager (W6 D2), the longest unbeaten start in major European competition with the Red Devils since Alex Ferguson (first 11 games unbeaten).
- Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 29 goals in 31 UEFA Europa League appearances in the knockout stages (17 goals, 12 assists), a record. The Man Utd captain has three goals and three assists in his three games at the semi-final stage, with only Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Lacazette and Kevin Gameiro (all seven) having a hand in more in the semi-finals.
- Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has had a hand in at least one goal in all six home UEFA Europa League appearances this season (5 goals, 2 assists). Only three players – Giuseppe Rossi (2010 – 2015), Guillaume Hoarau (2011 – 2017) and Ciro Immobile (2017 – 2019) have scored or assisted in seven home games in a row.
Athletic Bilbao vs Man United: Date and how to follow
This Europa League semi-final first leg will take place on Thursday, May 1.
It will be held at the Estadio de San Mames, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from the Basque country with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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talkSPORT.com will also have updates and all the reaction.
