Athletic Bilbao boss just mirrored Ruben Amorim against Real Madrid, their Europa League priority is clear

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Manchester United’s entire season hinges on beating Athletic Bilbao over two legs in the Europa League.

Qualifying for the Champions League is a top priority for Manchester United and the only route remaining is lifting the Europa League trophy this season.

The Red Devils came within minutes of crashing out of Europe this season before a remarkable comeback gave United a 5-4 win over Lyon.

After beating Lyon, Amorim admitted all focus is on the Europa League, with academy players set to be handed minutes in the remaining Premier League matches.

In United’s 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford, Tyler Fredricson was superb on his debut while Harry Amass was United’s best player. The two academy defenders were two of five changes made by Ruben Amorim.

Athletic Bilbao rested ready for Europa League

There are 10 days remaining until United travel to Spain to face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.

Unlike United, Bilbao still have plenty to play for domestically as they sit fourth in the La Liga table.

However, it seems that Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde is taking a similar approach to Amorim and is putting a lot of focus on the Europa League by resting players in the league.

Against Real Madrid on Sunday afternoon, Valverde made a staggering 10 changes to the Bilbao side that beat Rangers in the Europa League.

After keeping Carlo Ancelotti’s side out for 90 minutes, Federico Valverde scored a last-gasp winner for Madrid, denting Bilbao’s chances of a top-four finish.

Ruben Amorim faces toughest Man United challenge

Bilbao are without Nico Williams after he suffered an injury blow ahead of the Real Madrid match. It’s still not clear whether he will return to face Manchester United in Europe.

Amorim can learn from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on how to beat Bilbao after the former United manager hammered the Spanish side 4-1 in his first game as Besiktas manager.

However, it seems Amorim will have to face a fully fresh Bilbao side next month, with Valverde also prioritising silverware.

READ MORE: Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams shows admiration for Man Utd ahead of Europa League semi-final, ‘every kid wants…’

There is huge pressure on Amorim to win the Europa League in order to salvage what has been a terrible season for Manchester United.

Not only would it allow United to attract Europe’s elite talent in the summer, but it would also provide a huge financial boost.