Manchester United will take on Athletic Club on Thursday night for the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
It’s a crucial tie for Ruben Amorim’s side, focusing on Europa League success after an abysmal domestic campaign. Manchester United are currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, meaning they can only qualify for the Champions League by going all the way in Europe’s second-tier competition.
United’s financial situation means there is extra pressure on Amorim to deliver in the Europa League. The financial rewards that come from securing Champions League football would make a significant difference to the club’s spending power in the summer transfer market.
United can take a big step toward the final by beating Athletic Club away from home, but this European campaign has been anything but stress-free, so United fans will be preparing for a semi-final decider at Old Trafford.
On Wednesday, United flew to Spain with a 26-man squad, a strong group for Amorim to use with Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt being notable returnees for the visitors.
How Manchester United could line-up against Athletic Club
Although United are still experiencing injuries, with Diogo Dalot the latest to be ruled out of action, Amorim has been given a double boost ahead of the Europa League semi-final.
There were fears that Amad would be ruled out for the rest of the season, but the Ivorian winger has returned to the squad to face our Spanish opponents. He is joined by Netherlands centre-back De Ligt who will be a welcome addition to Amorim’s defence for the crucial tie.
It is unlikely that Amad or De Ligt will start, but we could see them both make an entrance from the bench.
But how will the starting line-up look? Here is our predicted XI.
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana will be looking to avoid more howlers in Europe after his nightmare in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg against Lyon. United need him at his best for the remainder of the competition.
Defence
The back-three will consist of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw because the first-leg may come too soon for De Ligt. That means Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu will operate as the two wing-backs, although the latter must improve on his performances in recent times.
Midfield
Manuel Ugarte will return to the line-up and join Casemiro in the middle of the pitch. Flanked by two wing backs, the two midfielders will also be joined by two No.10s – Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho — who will be tasked with pulling the strings in attack.
Attack
With Chido Obi not eligible to play in the Europa League, Rasmus Hojlund will be trying to build on his goal from United’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday.
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