Credits: X/@ManUtd

Athletic Club vs Manchester United Europa League Semifinal 1st Leg – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

United will face a stern test against a confident Athletic and Amorim's men will have to be at the top of their game to get a positive result.

Credits: X/@ManUtd

Athletic Club welcome Manchester United to the iconic San Mames stadium on Thursday night for the first leg of their highly anticipated semi-final. The Basque outfit enter the clash with momentum on their side, having lost just once in their last 10 outings across all competitions. Under Ernesto Valverde’s guidance, Athletic have secured three wins from their last four matches, including a narrow 1-0 triumph over Las Palmas. Crucially, their fortress at San Mames has remained unbreached in 10 consecutive matches, with seven of those ending in victory.

On the other hand, Manchester United arrive in Bilbao looking to reignite a faltering campaign. Rasmus Hojlund’s late equaliser rescued a point at Bournemouth last weekend for the Red Devils but Ruben Amorim’s side have now won just one of their last seven matches. While the Red Devils remain unbeaten in Europe this season, they’ve drawn four of their six away Europa League games. The stage is set for a tense and tactical battle in Bilbao.

⚔️ This is the one, Lions! Let's go!

🆚 @ManUtd
🇪🇺 @EuropaLeague SF, 1st Leg
🕘 21:00 CEST
📺 https://t.co/NrglNUdYHS #AthleticMUFC #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/H9Kb1BcoPV
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) May 1, 2025

Athletic Club Injury News

Athletic Club will be without influential midfielder Oihan Sancet for this match after he was forced off with a thigh injury in the recent 1-0 win over Las Palmas. The midfielder is the only notable absentee for Ernesto Valverde’s side, with Unai Gomez expected to step in as his replacement.

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Up front, Nico Williams will return to the starting XI after being rested last weekend. He is likely to join his brother Inaki Williams in attack. Either Gorka Guruzeta or Maroan Sannadi will complete the front three. Nico will be the player to watch out for in this game as he been in terrific form this season with five goals and two assists in 12 matches in the Europa League.

Athletic Club Predicted Line-Up

Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta

🗒 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧

Ernesto Valverde has called up 2️⃣3️⃣ players for tomorrow's @EuropaLeague semi-final first leg clash with @ManUtd at San Mames. #AthleticMUFC #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/OF37htPnaC
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 30, 2025

Manchester United Injury News

Manchester United will travel to Bilbao with a depleted squad as five players have been ruled out of Thursday’s clash. Diogo Dalot (calf) and Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring) are the latest to join the injury list with Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, and Ayden Heaven already being long-term absentees.

However, in a big boost for Ruben Amorim, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo have returned to full training and will be included in the matchday squad, although they might not start. In Dalot’s absence, Noussair Mazraoui could be handed a start at right back. All eyes will be on captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set to lead the charge once again. The Portuguese midfielder has been outstanding in the Europa League this season with 5 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances.

Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt Europa League Fixture – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

United will face a stern test against a confident Athletic here and Amorim’s men will have to be at the top of their game to get a positive result in this match.

🗣️ "We have to help our strikers."

Ruben says improving the collective will boost United's goalscoring output 📈#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2025

Manchester United Predicted Line-Up

Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club

Europa League

Manchester United

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.