Ruben Amorim can unleash game-changing weapon against Athletic Club, Man Utd’s most important player

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Manchester United are close to full strength for the trip to Bilbao, and Ruben Amorim could unleash his most deadly player.

The disaster which has been the 2024/25 season is almost at its finale and Manchester United still have the chance to make something of the campaign in Europe.

Sitting 14th in the Premier League, it is the Europa League which Ruben Amorim is prioritising as Thursday will see the first leg of a semi final against Athletic Club.

Despite excitement over potentially winning the Europa League, Amorim has admitted silverware won’t paper over the poor season, highlighting the need to change a lot of things but did suggest that securing Champions League football is key.

United getting into the Champions League will be a financial boost, but also a useful tool in securing top targets with Liam Delap looking to play European football next season.

With so much weight on the two legged tie against Bilbao, Amorim will be delighted to have his deadliest tool at his disposal after a two month absence.

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

Amad Diallo has been Ruben Amorim’s MVP when available to Manchester United

On Wednesday in the build up to the Europa League semi-final first leg, Amad Diallo was spotted upon his return to United first team training following a two month injury lay-off.

This rightly thrilled fans, and this got even better when Amad was named in Amorim’s 26-man squad to travel to Bilbao. There is a clamour for the Ivory Coast international to get back in action, but Amorim has said Amad won’t be starting for United this week, but was ready to travel which suggests he would appear.

If available from the bench, Amad’s return could be huge for United’s chances against Bilbao as his stats this season from SofaScore showcases.

After being mistreated by Erik ten Hag, Amad has been fulfilling his potential to date under Amorim, averaging a goal or assist ever 139 minutes with 11 goals and assists in just 15 starts.

From his data under Amorim’s management, it is clear that Amad is United’s main man and his return cannot come soon enough for a United side which the biggest problem remains in attacking and goalscoring.

Amad scored a hat-trick back in January and he immediately improves the finishing and creativity within Amorim’s side which could be the difference right now between victory and defeat.

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

Amad set for a huge 2025/26 at Manchester United

Just last year, Amad’s future was up in the air with Ten Hag failing to recognise the talent he had on his hands. However, luckily for United, Amorim saw immediately that Amad was a superstar in waiting.

Amorim handed Amad the reigns and time to prove he is a star, which the 22-year-old grabbed with both hands, establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet despite the poor form United were in.

This earned Amad a new contract at United which is valid until 2030, and since his injury United’s cohesion and style has improved to the point where Amorim is regularly coaching wins and the only issue is a lack of finishing which is costing points.

Amorim has identified goals as the big issue at United right now, but this cannot be solved by additions until the summer so over the next four weeks Amad will be expected to come back in and light things up.

This could be the deciding factor in whether United can win the Europa League or not.