Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has broken his silence after he made his long-awaited return from injury against Athletic Club in the Europa League.
The Red Devils have taken a major step forward in reaching the Europa League final in the 2024-25 campaign after Manchester United’s display against Athletic Club.
United dismantled Athletic Club at the San Mames Stadium and the Red Devils secured a comfortable 3-0 win in the first-leg Europa League semi-final tie.
Casemiro made an impact for United in the first half and the 33-year-old former Real Madrid star put the Red Devils into the lead in Spain on Thursday evening.
Following Casemiro’s first-half opener in the 30th minute, Athletic Club were reduced to 10 men only five minutes later after Dani Vivian was sent off against United.
Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot-kick in the 37th minute before the United captain completed his brace eight minutes later after beating Julen Agirrezabala.
United maintained their 3-0 lead over 10-man Athletic Club and Ruben Amorim’s men will now take their advantage to Old Trafford in the return leg next Thursday.
Athletic Club will travel to Old Trafford on 8th May for the second-leg Europa League semi-final encounter against United, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.
Matthijs de Ligt now speaks out after Man Utd’s 3-0 Europa League semi-final win vs Athletic Club in Bilbao
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been without Matthijs de Ligt since the 25-year-old Dutchman was ruled out of action with an injury in early April.
Matthijs de Ligt’s last appearance ahead of the Athletic Club match came in United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League tie at City Ground last month.
The former Ajax and Bayern Munich star has been a key United first-team player for Amorim and has impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford after his 2024 move.
De Ligt climbed off the bench in the second half and replaced Harry Maguire in the 65th minute of the 3-0 win over Athletic Club at the San Mames Stadium in Spain.
The ex-Juventus ace took to Instagram after the first-leg Europa League semi-final encounter in Bilbao and De Ligt has now sent a touching message to United fans.
“Great to be back with the team on a night like this,” he wrote to his followers, before adding: “Thanks for the support!”
Ruben Amorim sends an important message to Man Utd fans after the Red Devils’ result against Athletic Club in the Europa League
Amorim insisted that United’s Europa League campaign is important for delivering something for the fans, putting it ahead of securing Champions League football.
“It’s not Champions League, it’s not because of that,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“We know that we are underperforming this season. We want to give something to our fans, because we feel that support every day, no matter what position we are in the table.”
Brentford will now host United at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off for the Premier League clash slated for 2pm UK time.
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