Manchester United name 26-man travelling squad for Europa League semi-final vs Athletic Club, Amad returns

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United are travelling to Bilbao for a season-defining clash with Athletic Club, and Ruben Amorim has brought a strong squad with him.

This season for Manchester United is into its final act, with the Europa League semi-final a deciding act as to whether this season ends up a success or not.

Sitting 14th in the Premier League, everything rests on United’s European exploits, with the trip to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on Thursday likely to make or break the campaign.

United will be particularly concerned about Nico Williams and Iniaki Williams, who are the dangermen for the hosts on Thursday night, although Athletic Club will be without Oihan Sancet.

Ruben Amorim welcomed Amad Diallo back to training, although his involvement looks unlikely after such a prolonged absence.

It will be the toughest game of United’s season, and Amorim will be desperate to avoid repeating Erik ten Hag’s knockout stage trip to Spain struggles from the 2022/23 season.

Now, he’s named his squad to travel to Bilbao for the clash.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Manchester United’s squad to face Athletic Club has been named

Manchester United announced the 26-man travelling squad for the trip to Bilbao, as reported by club media.

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton.

Defenders: Harry Amass, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Jaydan Kamason, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Bendito Mantato, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Chido Obi.

It is worth noting that neither Obi nor Kone are eligible to play but have been included because a training session will be held on Friday morning.

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Amad Diallo makes return to Manchester United squad

After a long two-month absence, Amad is finally back in the squad for United and will be in Bilbao for the semi-final.

This is a huge boost for United, with the Ivorian being the undisputed star of Amorim’s reign right up until he picked up an ankle injury. However, despite fears his season was over, Amad has battled back to be fit and ready to end the season in action, and he may be in line for minutes on Thursday.

It is unknown how much of a role he will play, with United unlikely to risk him with the second leg in mind, but we would be surprised if he doesn’t at least get 10 minutes to build some match fitness.

Other notable inclusions are Mantato, who has leapfrogged Jack Moorhouse and James Scanlon to be named in the squad for the season’s most important game so far.

Elsewhere, there are no shocks in the squad, and it is as strong as possible for Amorim, considering the injuries.