We are all ready for the UEFA Europa League semi-final, where Athletic Club vs Manchester United will be a fiery encounter. The last time both teams met in the Europa League was in the round of 16 of the 2011-12 season. Athletic Club won both legs that time with an aggregate score of 5-3. Since then, a lot of things have changed for both teams.
Athletic had finished in 2nd place in the points table, whereas Manchester United finished just one spot below them in third. Both teams have seen a different road to the semi-final. Athletic Club seemed to have slightly easier games, whereas Manchester United had to fight it out hard to defeat teams like Real Sociedad and Lyon.
After a rough, ongoing Premier League season, Manchester United only have a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season if they win the Europa League. With an extra spot for Spain in the Champions League next season, Athletic Club’s chances are high to qualify.
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Athletic Club vs Manchester United – UEFA EUROPA League Semi-final: Teams news, Injury updates, Expected XI
Manchester United
Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer, and Matthijs de Ligt will all return to training this week and are less likely to play the first leg. Additionally, Altay Bayindir and Ayden Heaven will also miss the trip to Spain. Lisandro Martinez’s season is over. Diogo Dalot (calf) and Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring) have received recent injuries; they will also likely miss the next games for Manchester United.
Manchester United Expected XI: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Athletic Club
There is also one player who will miss the game for Athletic Club, and that will be Oihan Sancet. He is sidelined as he is suffering from a thigh problem. The rest of the squad is fine, and everyone is available to play against Manchester United.
Athletic Club Expected XI: Simon, Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche, Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams, Guruzeta
Athletic Club vs Manchester United: Key Players
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
He is a large factor for the greater cause, which is Manchester United, and, indeed, changed the offensive creativity and effectiveness of the team. His reputation as a playmaker developed on account of his vision and capacity to score goals, and he provided a large number of assists.
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Nico Williams attains key status within Athletic Club in his considerable contributions to recent good fortunes. His speed and dribbling are crucial in both domestic and European action. His displays not only bolster the attacking possibilities for the squad but have also made him a target for affluent European clubs.
UEFA EUROPA League Semi-final: Predictions
Manchester United will want to take revenge for the last time when they were knocked out by Athletic Club. For the neutrals, it will be an enjoyable match as both teams possess a lot of talent. Athletic Club playing at home will at least wish to take a lead at Old Trafford.
