Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial Europa League Semi-final Clash on May 8.
Manchester United will welcome Athletic Club at Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash. They will aim to secure a place in the final. They are especially in a commanding position to advance to the final anyway. They are coming into this match with a 3-goal lead from their 3-0 win from the first leg in Spain.
Hence, Athletic Club face an uphill battle. They will need a historic turnaround to reach the final. If they manage to reach the final somehow, they will get a major boost considering that match will take place at their home ground, San Mames. Both sides, however, have injury concerns that could impact their starting XIs.
The Red Devils have a comfortable three-goal cushion from the first leg. They are now close to sealing a spot in the Europa League final. A brace from their captain Bruno Fernandes and another from Casemiro handed them a memorable win in Bilbao. Thus, ending Athletic’s long unbeaten home run.
Man United have been struggling this season in the Premier League. Their most recent loss came against Brentford this weekend. Even so, the Red Devils are still unbeaten in this season’s Europa League. Athletic, meanwhile, must defy all odds in this leg to progress and avoid a disappointing end to their domestic run and European campaigns.
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Manchester United are monitoring Matthijs de Ligt after he picked up a muscle issue against Brentford. Toby Collyer is also a doubt, while another huge number of players are set to stay out. Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, and Lisandro Martinez, are all nursing their respective injuries.
Teenager Chido Obi-Martin, who recently debuted in the Premier League, is ineligible for Europe. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the attack. He should be supported by Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho on the sides. Manager Ruben Amorim may also consider starting Victor Lindelof or moving Noussair Mazraoui to centre-back.
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof; Dorgu, Casemiro, Ugarte, Mazraoui; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund
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Athletic Club will be without their suspended centre-back Dani Vivian. Aitor Paredes may come in to fill the gap. Coach Ernesto Valverde also has a number of fitness concerns over Oihan Sancet, Oscar De Marcos, and Nico Williams. It’s especially going to cost them considering all three are key figures in the squad. Their availability remains uncertain.
If both Sancet and Nico Williams miss the match, Alex Berenguer and Inaki Williams should come in to fill the gaps. They are expected to start on the flanks, with Unai Gomez playing behind the striker. Andoni Gorosabel may replace De Marcos at right-back if required.
Agirrezabala; Berchiche, Alvarez, Paredes, De Marcos; Jauregizar, De Galarreta; N. Williams, Berenguer, I. Williams; Sannadi
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