Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United tips and predictions: United’s toughest test yet awaits in season-defining tie

Athletic Bilbao state of play

Unbeaten at home in the Europa League, Athletic Bilbao are capable of ending Manchester United’s season in the first leg of their semi-final meeting. 

Athletic have the added incentive of knowing a semi-final triumph over the English giants would see them play the final in their own city on 21 May. 

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Athletic are also one of two clubs that boasted a better league phase record than United - W6 D1 L1. 

Additionally, as Rangers found out in their quarter-final 2-0 aggregate defeat, they’re tough to beat having only conceded 0.8 goals per match (via FotMob). 

With home advantage on their side and a fully rested team having not played on the weekend, Athletic Bilbao will be up for this one. 

Manchester United state of play

As it has been for a good while now, it's Europa League or bust for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United. 

The 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday highlighted their domestic struggles once again, but United relish their European challenges. 

After seeing off Lyon in dramatic fashion to set up this mouth-watering semi-final tie, United will be confident they can put in a similar performance as they look to win a competition that seals qualification for next year’s Champions League. 

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The English giants are still unbeaten (W7 D5), but they face a side they haven’t defeated since a 6-5 aggregate win in the 1956/57 European Cup. 

Still, as the competition’s highest scorers (28), Manchester United could pick up a positive result at the San Mames Stadium.

Key talking point: Can Manchester United be defensively sound in Spain?

Both teams head into the first leg of this must-watch tie knowing a final against Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt awaits.

With Athletic Bilbao expected to have most of the attacking impetus, Manchester United will hope to keep the score low on the night.

However, Athletic Bilbao have a number of weapons in attack, although top scorer, Oihan Sancet, could miss both legs. 

The Williams brothers will be aiming to put on a show, though. Both Inaki and Nico have five Europa League goals to their name. 

Additionally, there have been 2.67 goals scored per game at the San Mames. Bilbao are also a tough nut to crack, with six clean sheets in 12 matches - the joint-highest in the competition. 

A solid all-round team, Manchester United will need to find some defensive resilience from somewhere. The signs aren’t good, though. The Red Devils are leaking goals and have only kept two clean sheets in Europe. 

FIRST’s top tip for Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United

While I don’t expect the tie to be over at full-time, I fancy Athletic to come out on top in this one given their excellent home form. United could score, but Athletic Bilbao should edge it overall. 

Athletic Bilbao to win and over 2.5 goals - 23/10 with Betway

Extra tips 

The Williams siblings are dangerous. Nico Williams could also have a say, but I fancy Inaki Williams to score against a fragile United defence. He also offers good value.  

Inaki Williams to score anytime - 29/10 with BetMGM

Team news

For Athletic Bilbao, Yuri Berchiche is back after starting against Las Palmas last Wednesday. However, as mentioned, key man Oihan Sancet is out.  

As for Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee won’t feature again this season, while Diogo Dalot is out for a few weeks. 

There is also doubt surrounding Ayden Heaven and Jonny Evans. However, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo could return for the all-important clash. 

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United predicted line-ups

Athletic Bilbao: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Prados, Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, Berenguer; Guruzeta (4-2-3-1)

Manchester United: Onana; Shaw, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Athletic Bilbao: DWWDDDWWLW

Manchester United: DWWLDDLDLD

Odds correct at the time of writing.