Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao tips and predictions: United to complete the job at Old Trafford?

Manchester United state of play

After dismantling Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg and ending the Basque Country club’s unbeaten home record in Europe in the process, Manchester United already have one foot in the final. 

The Red Devils are strong favourites to reach their first Europa League final since their penalty shootout loss to Villarreal in 2021. 

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Despite their uninspiring domestic displays, United remain unbeaten in Europe (W8 D5). They’re a completely different proposition in a competition that secures the winner Champions League qualification. 

The leading scorers (31) with an average of 2.4 goals per match (via FotMob), Ruben Amorim’s side are on the cusp of something special. 

There is still work to be done though, but United are unbeaten in their last 11 Europa League games at Old Trafford and look unstoppable right now.

Athletic Bilbao state of play

A wounded animal, Athletic Bilbao have it all to do in the second leg after being on the receiving end of a mauling. 

With three goals to score just to level the tie, Bilbao will be hoping United’s fragile defence, which has just three clean sheets in 13 Europa League games, will crumble once again. 

However, Bilbao have failed to score in six of their last nine games across all competitions and will be without the Williams brothers and top scorer Oihan Sancet once again.

Additionally, despite Ernesto Valverde’s side undoubtedly craving silverware, they’re looking on for Champions League qualification given their three-point gap in fourth place in La Liga. 

Bilbao have nothing to lose in Manchester, but a three-goal deficit is likely to be too much to overcome.

Key talking point: Bruno Fernandes to lead the United charge

Bruno Fernandes keeps on producing the goods for Manchester United. The Portuguese star shone at a vociferous San Mames Stadium in the first leg, scoring twice, including the third and all-important goal in a memorable win for United. 

Heading into the second leg, Fernandes is capable of stepping up when it matters once again. The Red Devils captain oozes calmness, continually digging United out of holes. 

From Bilbao’s perspective, stopping him is paramount. Fernandes is flying in the competition, with seven goals to his name - the most scored by any Manchester United player in the Europa League. 

The competition’s joint-top goalscorer, Fernandes has also created 28 chances, highlighting just how much of a creative force he is. 

Whether or not Athletic Bilbao can make a game of it is hard to know, but they’ll have to stop Bruno Fernandes from running proceedings if they’re to stand a chance. 

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao 

Athletic Bilbao are likely to take the game to Manchester United given the 3-0 aggregate scoreline. As such, it could be an open game at Old Trafford. I expect Manchester United to get the job done, but there could be goals in this one. 

Both teams to score and Manchester United to win at 14/5 (BetMGM)

Extra tips 

Bruno Fernandes is loving life in the Europa League. It almost feels inevitable he’ll score at some point, with there being great value in United’s talisman scoring first on the night. 

Bruno Fernandes to score first at 5/1 (Betway)

Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United career is yet to really take off, but the Danish striker has five goals to his name in the Europa League and could easily add to his tally. 

Rasmus Hojlund to score anytime at 27/10 (BetMGM)

Team news

For Athletic Bilbao, key defender Dani Vivian is suspended after being sent off at the San Mames Stadium. 

Oihan Sancet, who missed the first leg, plus Nico Williams and Inaki Williams are also out. Oscar De Marcos will be assessed ahead of kickoff. 

As for Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee won’t feature again this season, while Diogo Dalot remains injured after missing the first leg. 

Matthijs de Ligt could also miss out after he was forced off with a muscle problem in the defeat at Brentford on the weekend. There is also doubt surrounding Ayden Heaven.

Manchester United vs Athletic Club predicted line-ups: 

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

Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Paredes, Yeray, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Galarreta, Djalo, Gomez, Berenguer; Sannadi (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Manchester United: DDWWLDDLWL

Athletic Club: WDDDWWLWLD

All odds are correct at the time of writing.