Manchester United have one foot in the final after a commanding display against 10-man Bilbao
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813e1a58f08ca89058035cb#block-6813e1a58f08ca89058035cb" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago23.06 CEST</a>Harry Maguire speaks to TNT Sports
but the early stages looked promising for Athletic Club
Iñaki Williams headed over wastefully from close range; Alex Berenguer had one shot turned around the bar by André Onana
and another cleared off the line by Victor Lindelöf
Harry ‘Harrincha’ Maguire set up Casemiro’s opener with some inspired wingplay (!)
Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty after Daniel Vivian was sent packing for a tug on Rasmus Højlund
Fernandes added another against reeling opponents just before the break
United controlled the second half against ten men perfectly
but a three-goal lead to take back to Old Trafford is beyond their wildest dreams
As a reward for their best performance to date under Ruben Amorim
they should be coming back to San Mamés in three weeks’ time for the final
</a>Updated at 23.01 CEST<a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dfdf8f088213e42d76bf#block-6813dfdf8f088213e42d76bf" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.56 CEST</a>90 min +5: Djaló goes direct, and it’s easy for Onana. That’ll be that.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813df968f088213e42d76bd#block-6813df968f088213e42d76bd" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.55 CEST</a>90 min +4: Sannadi is brought down by Casemiro, 25 yards from the United goal. Maybe 30. Probably a bit too far for a direct shot? But whatever, it’ll be the last chance for Bilbao to snatch a glimmer of hope for the second leg.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813df408f088213e42d76bc#block-6813df408f088213e42d76bc" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.54 CEST</a>90 min +2: Jaureguizar hoicks a cross in from the right. Gomez deflects the ball harmlessly over the bar. Yoro is booked for some indiscretion or other.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dee78f08a7e30609ef99#block-6813dee78f08a7e30609ef99" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.53 CEST</a>90 min +1: Djaló dribbles excitingly into the United box down the left, but he’s soon swarmed and can’t get a shot away.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813de508f088213e42d76b6#block-6813de508f088213e42d76b6" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.51 CEST</a>90 min: Diallo wins a free kick out on the left. Shaw hits it long for De Ligt, who wins a corner. Diallo trots over to take. He tries something intricate with Fernandes that doesn’t pay dividend. There will be four added minutes.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813de278f08ca89058035b0#block-6813de278f08ca89058035b0" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.49 CEST</a>88 min: United continue to press for their fourth. Fernandes crosses from the right. Hojlund flashes a header over the bar.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813de028f08ca89058035ae#block-6813de028f08ca89058035ae" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.48 CEST</a>87 min: Iñaki Williams joins his brother on the bench, making way for Álvaro Djaló.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dd9d8f08a7e30609ef8d#block-6813dd9d8f08a7e30609ef8d" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.47 CEST</a>86 min: United are looking for the fourth that would put this semi-final beyond any doubt. Shaw again cuts back from the left, this time for Fernandes, who flays a poor shot over the crossbar from just inside the box. He should have hit the target at least.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dd148f08ca89058035a1#block-6813dd148f08ca89058035a1" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.46 CEST</a>84 min: Shaw reaches the byline down the left and cuts back for Garnacho, who opens his body and sidefoots powerfully towards the top left. Agirrezabala parries. That’s Garnacho’s last contribution to an impressive evening’s body of work, as he’s replaced by Mainoo. Dorgu meanwhile makes way for Diallo.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dcec8f08ca89058035a0#block-6813dcec8f08ca89058035a0" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.43 CEST</a>82 min: Hojlund draws a foul out on the left. Fernandes pulls the free kick across the face of the box for Dorgu, who can’t force his shot through a thicket of players. Athletic clear.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dc7a8f08a7e30609ef84#block-6813dc7a8f08a7e30609ef84" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.43 CEST</a>81 min: A pocket of space for Fernandes, 25 yards out. He aims for the bottom right. Agirrezabala palms it away. Dorgu retrieves on the right and cuts back for Casemiro, who swings towards the far post. Garnacho, rushing in, can’t quite connect with a telescopic leg.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dc088f08a7e30609ef7a#block-6813dc088f08a7e30609ef7a" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.41 CEST</a>80 min: Nico Williams, out on the right, crosses long to … nobody at all. When the ball sails out for a throw, he’s hooked for Gomez.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dbc38f08a7e30609ef77#block-6813dbc38f08a7e30609ef77" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.39 CEST</a>78 min: Garnacho dribbles with purpose down the left and wins a corner. Fernandes loops it straight down Agirrezabala’s throat.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813db918f08a7e30609ef76#block-6813db918f08a7e30609ef76" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.38 CEST</a>77 min: Mount is booked for a cynical tap on Sannadi’s ankle. The home fans cheer in irony.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813db0c8f08ca8905803587#block-6813db0c8f08ca8905803587" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.37 CEST</a>75 min: Dorgu slips a pass down the right for Mount, who has team-mates in the middle but can’t force a cross beyond Paredes, who hooks clear. A good opportunity passes by. United can probably afford it.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813dae88f08ca8905803586#block-6813dae88f08ca8905803586" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.35 CEST</a>74 min: Mazraoui makes way for Shaw.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813da688f08ca890580357d#block-6813da688f08ca890580357d" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.34 CEST</a>73 min: Iñaki Williams takes on Dorgu in a footrace down the right. He can’t get a cross in, though. The ball is worked back to Sannadi, who loops a harmless cross into Onana’s arms. The United keeper, that one early save from Berenguer apart, has had nothing to do.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813da348f08ca890580357c#block-6813da348f08ca890580357c" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.32 CEST</a>71 min: Nico Williams attempts to turn on the jets down the left but there’s little in the tank. Lindelof picks his pocket with contemptuous ease.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d9d78f088213e42d768a#block-6813d9d78f088213e42d768a" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.31 CEST</a>69 min: Sannadi has a rare run at the United back line but runs slap-bang into De Ligt and Yoro.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d9a28f08ca8905803579#block-6813d9a28f08ca8905803579" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.30 CEST</a>68 min: Nico Williams dribbles infield from the left but slips when he enters the box
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d8ef8f08ca8905803575#block-6813d8ef8f08ca8905803575" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.27 CEST</a>65 min: United make their first changes of the evening, swapping out Ugarte and Maguire for De Ligt and Mount. “Harrincha,” offers our pal Rob Smyth. “Doesn’t quite work, does it? Shame, as it’s tickled me, the big galoot!”
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d87c8f088213e42d767c#block-6813d87c8f088213e42d767c" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.25 CEST</a>64 min: Fernandes whips the corner towards the near stick, where Casemiro whacks a firm header off the right-hand upright and out for a goal kick. A bit more of a glance and that was beating Agirrezabala, who hadn’t reacted in time. If it wasn’t for the woodwork, United would have scored five.
</a>Updated at 22.25 CEST<a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d8308f088213e42d7679#block-6813d8308f088213e42d7679" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.24 CEST</a>63 min: Now it’s Casemiro’s turn to take a shy from distance. He goes top right as well, and forces Agirrezabala to tip over the bar.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d8138f088213e42d7678#block-6813d8138f088213e42d7678" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.23 CEST</a>62 min: A bit of space for Ugarte, 25 yards out. He aims towards the top right but it’s easy for Agirrezabala.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d7d18f08ca8905803560#block-6813d7d18f08ca8905803560" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.22 CEST</a>61 min: Garnacho fights to retain possession in the middle of the park and is cleaned out by Álvarez, who goes into the book. San Mamés is a pressure cooker now.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d7b98f08ca8905803559#block-6813d7b98f08ca8905803559" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.21 CEST</a>60 min: That’s got the crowd going, if nothing else.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d6e98f08ca890580354b#block-6813d6e98f08ca890580354b" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.19 CEST</a>57 min: Iñaki Williams rolls a pass down the right for Sannadi, who looks to have beaten Maguire in a footrace. The pair come together. Maguire with his arm around the striker. Sannadi goes down. VAR to check for a potential red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity!
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d62a8f08a7e30609ef3b#block-6813d62a8f08a7e30609ef3b" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.17 CEST</a>55 min: Bilbao may have got away with one there, you know. Yuri was a bit hands on from behind and there was a tangle of feet as well. Ruben Amorim made his claim, but not with too much vigour.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d5ca8f08ca890580353e#block-6813d5ca8f08ca890580353e" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.14 CEST</a>53 min: Fernandes slips a pass down the left for Dorgu, who whistles a low cross through the Bilbao box. Hojlund goes over again under defensive pressure, but this time a little too easily, and neither referee nor VAR show any interest in awarding a penalty.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d5788f088213e42d7651#block-6813d5788f088213e42d7651" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.12 CEST</a>51 min: For the first time this evening, San Mamés has fallen quiet. United have done a proper number on everyone in Bilbao tonight.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d50a8f088213e42d764c#block-6813d50a8f088213e42d764c" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.11 CEST</a>49 min: No fast start to the second half from the home side. United look calm and in control. They’ve gone into back-five mode, their attacking work here tonight as good as done. Anything on the counter a bonus.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d46f8f08a7e30609ef2d#block-6813d46f8f08a7e30609ef2d" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.09 CEST</a>47 min: A reminder that Bilbao have only shipped ten goals at home in La Liga all season.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d3fb8f08a7e30609ef2a#block-6813d3fb8f08a7e30609ef2a" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.06 CEST</a>Bilbao get their party the second half started. They’ve made another change, replacing Ruiz De Galarreta with Prados.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d3498f08a7e30609ef26#block-6813d3498f08a7e30609ef26" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago22.04 CEST</a>Half-time postbag. “Athletic apparently going to avoid the pain of a humiliating upset loss in a European final to a Premier League club who had no right to be there in the first place, by doing it in the semi-finals instead” – David Howell
“It seems that Amorim has finally come up with a Plan B: to get Maguire out onto the wing and deliver Beckham-like crosses. Man Utd have been remarkably clinical” – Steven Crawford Grundy
“Until the first goal, Athletic were by far the better side. This may be my neutral’s hope that the tie isn’t over speaking, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the ten Basques can shut up shop and maybe nick a goal late on. United can easily let a two goal lead slip at Old Trafford, where they seem more nervous than on their travels. It isn’t over, yet” – Kári Tulinius
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d1e78f08a7e30609ef21#block-6813d1e78f08a7e30609ef21" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.57 CEST</a>Breaking news! The crossbar hit by Mazraoui has just stopped rattling.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d1818f08ca8905803524#block-6813d1818f08ca8905803524" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.55 CEST</a>Half-time entertainment. Last night’s European action wasn’t too shabby either. Relive it with Max, Barry et al.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d0828f08a7e30609ef16#block-6813d0828f08a7e30609ef16" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.51 CEST</a>45 min +4: Ugarte cushions a pass into the Bilbao box for Hojlund, who can’t get a shot away but forces a corner. And from the set piece, Mazraoui sends a fierce, curling, rising drive towards the top-left corner … and off the face of the crossbar! So nearly four!
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d04a8f088213e42d7635#block-6813d04a8f088213e42d7635" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.50 CEST</a>45 min +3: There’s still a lot of noise being made by the San Mamés faithful, who are still four-square behind their team.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813d01b8f08ca8905803519#block-6813d01b8f08ca8905803519" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.49 CEST</a>45 min +1: The first of four additional minutes comes and goes.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813cfb38f088213e42d7631#block-6813cfb38f088213e42d7631" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.48 CEST</a>GOAL
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United (Fernandes 45)United are flying
Ugarte splits the home defence with a backheel down the middle
and lifts the ball into the right-hand portion of the net
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813cf228f08ca8905803508#block-6813cf228f08ca8905803508" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.45 CEST</a>43 min: Nothing comes of the corner. “Maguire transformed into Garrincha—it could only happen in the land of Picasso and Dalí,” observes our new culture correspondent Justin Kavanagh. “Maybe the bus stopped off at the Guggenheim for inspiration this evening!”
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813cea68f08a7e30609ef05#block-6813cea68f08a7e30609ef05" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.44 CEST</a>42 min: Dorgu wins a corner down the left. Before it can be taken, Bilbao make a double change. De Marcos and Berenguer are sacrificed for Gorosabel and Paredes.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813ce7e8f08ca8905803502#block-6813ce7e8f08ca8905803502" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.42 CEST</a>40 min: The corner’s worked back to Iñaki Williams, who aims for the top-right corner but gets nowhere near the goal. The home fans holler in impotent fury.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813ce0b8f088213e42d761e#block-6813ce0b8f088213e42d761e" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.41 CEST</a>39 min: Bilbao need something. United by contrast need to keep it simple. But Lindelof, not for the first time this evening, gifts possession to Nico Williams, who bears down on the United box and takes a shot that’s deflected wide right. Corner.
</a><a href="?page=with%3Ablock-6813cdcf8f08a7e30609eef9#block-6813cdcf8f08a7e30609eef9" data-ignore="global-link-styling" class="dcr-19aedk7">4d ago21.39 CEST</a>GOAL
Athletic Club 0-2 Manchester United (Fernandes 37 pen)Fernandes waits for Agirrezabala to commit
A much-changed Athletic Club edged closer to securing Champions League football for next season with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby. 
Manager Ernesto Valverde made seven changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Manchester United in Thursday&#x27;s Europa League semi-final first leg.
With one eye on Thursday&#x27;s return at Old Trafford, influential forward Nico Williams wasn&#x27;t named in the matchday squad and his absence was felt as the Bilbao side failed to create anything of note.
In a game of few chances all round, it was Sociedad who went closest midway through the second half, with Brais Mendez&#x27;s header forcing a smart save from Unai Simon.
The draw left Athletic Club fourth on 61 points in La Liga, four clear of Real Betis in sixth place with four games left.
Sociedad moved one position and a point above Valencia in 11th spot.
The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made
substituted for Barrenetxea at 62 minutesNumber 28
substituted for Mikel Jauregizar at 62 minutesNumber 24
substituted for Mikel Vesga at 74 minutesNumber 7
substituted for Adama Boiro at 82 minutesNumber 9
substituted for Álvaro Djaló at 62 minutesNumber 12
substituted for Maroan Sannadi at 62 minutesSubstitutesNumber 13
Yeray Match OfficialsReferee: César Soto GradoVideo Assistant Referee: Valentín Pizarro GómezAssistant Referee 1: Carlos Álvarez FernándezAssistant Referee 2: Rubén Becerril GómezFourth Official: Sergio Escriche GuzmánAssistant VAR Official: Gonzalo García GonzálezMatch StatsKey
Mikel Vesga (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the attacking half
Fourth official has announced 3 minutes of added time
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) header from the centre of the box misses to the left
Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked
Delay in match because of an injury Álvaro Djaló (Athletic Club)
Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal
Unai Gómez (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the defensive half
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked
Andoni Gorosabel (Athletic Club) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul
said: "I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result.” He added that it was “hard to explain” the differences in performances between the Premier League
in which Amorim's side are one leg away from the final
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/02/ruben-amorim-says-athletic-bilbao-win-is-best-result-of-his-time-in-charge-so-far" data-link-name="in standfirst link">Ruben Amorim says Athletic Bilbao win is ‘best result’ of his time in charge so far</a>
<a href="https://www.thesun.ie/author/danielle-masterson/" class="author url fn article__author-link t-p-color" rel="author" title="Posts by Danielle Russell Masterson" data-author="Danielle Russell Masterson" aria-label="Posts by Danielle Russell Masterson">Danielle Russell Masterson</a>Published: Invalid Date
WEATHER chiefs have confirmed the good weather is here to stay - with temperatures higher than some hotspots in Spain this bank holiday weekend
While the mercury will be hotter in Ireland than <a href="https://www.thesun.ie/where/spain/">Bilbao</a> this week
Alan O&#x27;Reilly from Carlow Weather said: “High pressure set to stay in control of our <a href="https://www.thesun.ie/topic/weather/">weather</a> with very little rainfall forecast for Ireland over next two weeks
Other parts of Europe will see the rain though.”
Met Eireann’s Aoife Kealy confirmed that sun is here to stay but it will be a little cooler
She said: “High pressure won&#x27;t be going anywhere for the time being
“So we do have plenty of dry and sunny weather on the cards over the coming few days
The forecaster said today will be “dry with plenty of sunshine though that little bit of cloud drifting in from the east”.
She said: “This morning it is a beautiful start out there, dry and bright across the country. 
“It&#x27;s going to stay dry today which spells the sunshine but a little bit more cloud will drift across the east and midlands this morning and afternoon.
“But light to moderate northeast winds will keep it a bit cooler in the north and east with highs there of 10C to 13C.”
Tonight will be mostly dry with a little frost possible
Aoife said: “So it is going to stay dry tonight with skies becoming largely clear
&quot;Quite a chilly one with lows of 1C to 5C in light winds
Tomorrow will have a sunny start before cloud develops
She continued: “We do then have a dry bank holiday Monday in store for tomorrow with spells of sunshine
“The best of those will be early in the day as a little bit more cloud will bubble up through the afternoon
“Highs tomorrow of 11C in the east up to 17C in the west in light northeasterly winds.”
Aoife said: “So the settled dry conditions will continue through the coming week and after the rather cool start
&quot;The temperatures are slowly going to increase day on day
“So Tuesday is going to be another dry day with sunshine though cloud is going to bubble up again in the afternoon.”
Highest temperatures on Tuesday will range between 12C to 16C
The heat will continue to rise with Wednesday reaching highs of 14C to 18C
The meteorologist added: “It&#x27;s going to stay dry with sunny spells on Wednesday and Thursday will be another dry and bright day though the odd light shower may drift in from the east
“Then it looks like high pressure is here to stay until next weekend at the very least.”
The Red Devils will resume their 2024-25 Europa League campaign on Thursday evening with their important second-leg semi-final clash at <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/club/stadium/">Old Trafford</a>
<a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/five-things-learned-as-manchester-united-beat-athletic-club-3-0/">Manchester United hold the advantage over Athletic Club</a> after the Red Devils picked up a sensational 3-0 win in the first-leg match last Thursday in Spain
<a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/ruben-amorim/">Ruben Amorim</a> cannot afford any slip-ups in the Europa League run
which would offer United a route back to Europe next season with Champions League football
The 40-year-old <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/club/manager/">United manager</a> would also be able to sign off the season with his first piece of major silverware at Old Trafford if United lift the Europa League trophy
Amorim’s men are in full control of their Europa League destiny <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-athletic-club-bruno-fernandes-brace-but-9-10-star-is-now-ruben-amorims-own-roy-keane/">after United’s first-leg result against Athletic Club</a> at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on 1st May
Either <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/club/">United</a> or Athletic Club will face fellow semi-finalists Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final on 21st May in Spain
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/man-utd-fans-all-in-agreement-about-ruben-amorims-player-who-showed-major-weakness-vs-brentford-no-two-ways-about-it/">Man Utd fans all in agreement about Ruben Amorim’s player who showed major weakness vs Brentford, ‘no two ways about it’</a>
Ruben Amorim handed <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/luke-shaw/">Luke Shaw</a> the Manchester United captain’s armband after <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/bruno-fernandes/">Bruno Fernandes</a> was dropped to the bench for the match against Brentford
The former Sporting CP head coach rotated his <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/club/manchester-united-squad-players/">United first-team</a> squad for the Red Devils’ Premier League visit to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon
Luke Shaw’s season at Old Trafford has again been disrupted by injuries and Amorim has been managing his minutes to ease his return to first-team action
The 29-year-old England left-back started the match as the left-sided centre-back <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/what-are-ruben-amorims-tactics-man-united-fans-can-expect-spectacular-style-of-play-from-potential-new-manager/">in Amorim’s tactical system for United</a> and only played the first half on the weekend.
 View this post on Instagram            </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJPJtoGMJc0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)</a>
Amorim lost <a href="https://unitedinfocus.com/tag/matthijs-de-ligt" rel="nofollow">Matthijs de Ligt</a> to injury in the first half and he made the tactical decision to withdraw Shaw after the break and replaced him with <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/leny-yoro/">Leny Yoro</a>
<a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/man-utd-fans-have-lot-to-say-about-luke-shaw-after-performance-vs-brentford-time-to-accept-claim-is-made/">Shaw underwhelmed United fans with his performance</a> and Amorim has admitted that he could not risk losing the Red Devils and Three Lions left-back to injury
“No, it was just [a case of resting] Luke Shaw as, with Matta, we don’t know what will happen on Thursday,” Amorim said, as per <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/every-word-from-ruben-amorim-post-match-press-conference-after-brentford-v-man-utd-4-may-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Manchester United’s official website</a>
and then we don’t have enough defenders for the game.”
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/man-utd-fans-all-saying-same-thing-about-chido-obi-after-performance-vs-brentford-true-taste-point-is-so-perfect/">Man Utd fans all saying same thing about Chido Obi after performance vs Brentford, ‘true taste’ point is so perfect</a>
<a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/five-things-learned-as-manchester-united-lose-4-3-to-brentford/">Brentford defeated United 4-3</a> at the Gtech Community Stadium and <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/thomas-frank/">Thomas Frank’s</a> men walked away with all three Premier League points on Sunday
Following the <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-brentford-chido-obi-debut-start-verdict-as-3-10-star-plays-himself-out-of-europa-league/">Premier League result between United and Brentford</a>, Amorim made his position clear that he was protecting Luke Shaw and the player was not injured.
When asked if Shaw was injured, Amorim responded: “No, no, no, no, no.
“What I’m saying is that we have to protect some players at half-time, thinking about Thursday.“So, it was just that, not about thinking about [how] the game [had gone].”
The second-leg Europa League semi-final tie between United and Athletic Club is slated for an 8pm UK kick-off time at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Getty ImagesPublished8 hours agoManchester United have to &quot;take all the hits&quot; right now as they put their focus on the Europa League
After a 16th Premier League defeat of the season away at <a href="/sport/football/teams/brentford" class="ssrcss-k8mrr8-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0">Brentford</a> on Sunday
United dropped to 15th in the Premier League table
they are well placed to win a first trophy under Amorim and clinch Champions League football for next season as they take a 3-0 lead into their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday
&quot;I think it&#x27;s stressful to lose games,&quot; said Amorim
&quot;[But] when we&#x27;re fighting for a title it&#x27;s not stressful
&quot;I have no doubts that we are playing better and we are understanding the way we play
&quot;So we have to take all the hits in this moment
but we are fighting for the Europa League so we need to accept that and to think about Thursday now
which is the most important game for us.&quot;
United made eight changes to their starting XI and succumbed to a 4-3 defeat at the Gtech Community stadium
despite Mason Mount giving them an early lead
we need to understand in this moment that we have a big responsibility [to win the Europa League],&quot; Amorim added
&quot;We have to prepare a squad for different competitions
we are preparing more than one game but it&#x27;s hard
&quot;Of course we want to be competitive - we struggled a lot during these 90 minutes
We have to think about the next game and then the Premier League
It&#x27;s really hard but we are doing the best we can to try to manage [the situation] and try to risk in some games.&quot;
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Read more</a>Ultimately this was an efficient
impressive performance in which United looked something like the team they are supposed to be: one that can win a European title that has become their salvation and a glimpse
not least as it would give them Champions League access
One that ended up looking on a different level to their opponents
forcing the first corner and the first roar inside 90 seconds
United’s early possession was not so much a platform for them to do something as for Athletic to
ready to asphyxiate their opponents and accelerate with the robbed ball
did expose them to the ball behind and just four minutes in
Manuel Ugarte released Alejandro Garnacho to finish
an invitation to United to seek the same wing
André Onana had to save from Alex Berenguer
Iñaki Williams headed just over and when the Ghana international then raced up the right and pulled back
Victor Lindelöf made two decisive interceptions – the second on the line with Berenguer shooting from five yards
it was United who got it just before the half hour
Ruben Amorim admitted that the first 25 minutes were not the same as the rest
the game changing with the opening goals and the red card
1:31Ruben Amorim says Athletic Bilbao win is ‘best result’ of his time in charge  – video The first goal was made by United’s unlikely hero doing unlikely things, more unlikely even than last time. Harry Maguire, the emergency striker who had completed that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/apr/17/manchester-united-lyon-europa-league-match-report" data-link-name="in body link">astonishing comeback against Lyon</a>
this was more like his teenage incarnation
United doubled their lead two minutes later
and in a way that gave them even more of an advantage than the goal they scored
where United had always identified opportunity
When the ball from Noussair Mazraoui came across the six yard box
Vivian accused him of diving but the defender was protesting too much
Højlund may have been quick to go to ground but there had been a clear hand on his shoulder and when the referee Espen Eskås came back from the VAR screen he pointed to the spot and pulled out a red card
Free daily newsletterKick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football
<a href="#img-2" data-ignore="global-link-styling" aria-hidden="true" tabIndex="-1" class="open-lightbox dcr-13fd1ms">View image in fullscreen</a>The referee shows a red card to Athletic Bilbao’s Dani Vivian
Photograph: Ander Gillenea/AFP/Getty ImagesVivian departed
Iñaki Williams did bend a shot wide but Athletic appeared gone and United added a third
Ugarte provided the clever flick and Fernandes ran through to finish high
The lead might even have extended still further before half-time
The protests which accompanied them off at the break increased early in the second when the referee was called to the screen to have another look at Maguire pulling down Maroan Sannadi
any tiny hope that the numbers might be evened out – and a comeback would start – snuffed out
There was another penalty appeal from Højlund
Ugarte and Casemiro both took aim from distance and the Brazilian put a header against the post
The frequency increased in the final 10 minutes
Julen Agirrezabala saving from Garnacho and Fernandes before Fernandes headed over and Højlund’s shot didn’t find the target
Iñaki Williams had gone sprinting up the pitch
and those chances were a reminder that this could still get worse
For <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/manchester-united" data-link-name="in body link" data-component="auto-linked-tag">Manchester United</a>
the night in Bilbao could hardly have been any better
Casemiro will reportedly receive a huge pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa League this season
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim shouts to players during the UEFA Europa League semi final first leg football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Manchester United at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao
Homegrown camerawoman Hyatt Mamoun explores the flora and fauna of the South Carolina Lowcountry in this online series
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Five films from the United States were screened at the 2025 International Public Television (INPUT) Conference held May 3–7 in Bilbao
Hosted by the Basque broadcaster Euskal Irrati Telebista
the annual conference gathers public media professionals from around the world to share innovative programming and engage in in-depth discussions on the craft
INPUT remains the only international conference that centers specifically on the creative output and public service mission of public media
INPUT is a non-commercial event where public broadcasters and independent producers screen their work for peer critique and dialogue
It is designed to open global channels of communication and promote the exchange of ideas
perspectives and techniques in public service media
five outstanding United States productions were selected based on their originality
relevance and bold storytelling approaches:
Each selected film is screened alongside a key individual involved in the production— such as the director
producer or commissioning editor— and followed by a professional discussion
These sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to reflect on new trends and evolving storytelling strategies in public media worldwide
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) has served as the U.S
managing the submission and selection process for American public media producers
SCETV supports United States participation in this vital international dialogue and remains committed to elevating American voices in public broadcasting
two American producers received travel assistance to attend this year’s conference
Carol Yancho of Arizona PBS has been awarded the INPUT Producer Fellowship
and Amy Shumacher of WGCU has been named the recipient of the Ron Hull Scholarship
having attended nearly 40 conferences around the world
His passion for connecting across cultures and fostering meaningful dialogue has made him a cherished presence in the INPUT community and an inspiration to emerging producers
To learn more about U.S. INPUT and the 2025 INPUT conference, visit the <a href="https://www.scetv.org/about/us-input" target="_blank">SCETV website</a>
“INPUT is a powerful reminder of the role public media plays in fostering global understanding and sparking critical conversations
productions represent our country on the international stage in Bilbao
SCETV remains deeply committed to supporting content creators and elevating public media that challenges
informs and inspires audiences around the world.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell &nbsp;
public media innovators from around the world will gather to push boundaries
challenge conventions and redefine storytelling
this conference isn’t just about content— it's about impact
The future of public media starts with the bold ideas shared here.” –SCETV Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations and U.S
About South Carolina ETV and Public RadioSouth Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network
provides educational experiences and strengthens communities
more connected and informed South Carolina
Making It Grow,&nbsp;and&nbsp;This Week in South Carolina
SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences
Reel South&nbsp;and&nbsp;Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis
<a href="/sites/default/files/press%20releases/2025/2025_05_03%20U.S.%20Films%20Selected%20for%20international%20public%20television%20conference%20in%20Bilbao%2C%20Spain.pdf" target="_blank">U.S. Films Selected for international public television conference in Bilbao, Spain (PDF)</a>
2025 at 11:21am BSTRuben Amorim said Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday is what is important after a 4-3 Premier League defeat at Brentford on Sunday
The Red Devils’ winless run in the league was extended to six matches despite a late comeback that saw Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo score consolation goals
after their 3-0 first-leg win over Athletic Bilbao last Thursday
United know they have the chance to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League
When we’re fighting for a title it’s not stressful,” said Amorim
Big week, Reds — and we're all in this together 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/VMoEstkz21">pic.twitter.com/VMoEstkz21</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1919302042008616984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a>
“I have no doubts that we are playing better and we are understanding the way we play, even in this context.
“So we have to take all the hits in this moment. We are losing games in the Premier League, but we are fighting for the Europa League so we need to accept that and to think about now Thursday which is the most important game for us.”
Kevin Schade’s brace, a Luke Shaw own goal and Yoane Wissa’s 18th of the campaign helped Brentford to victory at the Gtech Community Stadium, after Mason Mount had opened the scoring.
“We, as a club, need to understand in this moment that we have a big responsibility (to win the Europa League). We have to prepare a squad for different competitions,” Amorim said on the eight changes he made to his starting XI.
“(Rotation) is good for the players. Everybody is playing, we are preparing more than one game but it’s hard.
“Of course we want to be competitive, we struggled a lot during these 90 minutes. We have to think about the next game and then the Premier League. It’s really hard but we are doing the best we can to try to manage (the situation) and try to risk in some games.”
Thomas Frank’s Bees capitalised on an injury to Matthijs de Ligt by using the extra man to score their first goal.
The Dutch defender was substituted and is a doubt for Thursday’s European tie.
“Yeah, I definitely have sympathy about De Ligt and, you know, it’s clear that they struggle in many ways,” boss Frank said.
“When you are in football, the struggles are part of football but you just know it is not nice. Of course, it’s a tricky situation so I hope De Ligt is OK.”
Facebook page</a><a class="c-link" href="https://twitter.com/irish_news" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter feed</a><a class="c-link" href="https://www.irishnews.com/arc/outboundfeeds/rss/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">RSS feed</a>@2025 The Irish News Ltd
Big week, Reds — and we're all in this together 💪<a href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#MUFC</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/VMoEstkz21\">pic.twitter.com/VMoEstkz21</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1919302042008616984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 5, 2025</a>
Nico Williams called his Spain team-mate Lamine Yamal a &#x27;b*stard&#x27; while making a surprise admission about the 17-year-old Barcelona star
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Ireland is basking in a rare spell of early summer sunshine this May
with temperatures set to soar higher than Bilbao
Met Éireann and weather experts say high pressure will keep the country dry and bright
though chilly nights and frost are still possible
According to Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy
ensuring clear skies and sunshine across Ireland for the May Bank Holiday weekend and beyond
“High pressure won&#8217;t be going anywhere for the time being,” Kealy told <a href="https://www.thesun.ie/news/15153204/weather-forecast-ireland-spain-met-eireann-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Irish Sun</a>
adding: “We do have plenty of dry and sunny weather on the cards.”
will bring sunshine and rising temperatures
Kealy said Monday will see highs ranging from 11°C in the east to 17°C in the west
again under mostly clear skies and light winds
temperatures are expected to climb steadily
“The temperatures are slowly going to increase day on day,” said Kealy
“Tuesday is going to be another dry day with sunshine.”
Cathal Nolan from Ireland&#8217;s Weather Channel confirmed that the country is experiencing an exceptionally dry spring
and the current settled spell may last for weeks
“The latest weather models continue to indicate that dry conditions will persist for the next 2-3 weeks at least,” Nolan told <a href="https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/ireland-news/met-eireann-heatwave-update-frost-10154897" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Galway Beo</a>
adding that temperatures will return to the 20s next week
A few light showers may drift in from the east
but the high-pressure system looks set to stick around into next weekend
“We’re in the midst of an exceptionally dry spring… with another side effect of the clear skies being the potential for ice and frost overnight,” Nolan warned
This May could end up being one of the driest on record for Ireland
But the unusual spring warmth brings its own risks
including potential droughts and crop concerns if rain continues to stay away
Have you noticed a sudden <a href="https://euroweeklynews.com/weather/">weather</a> shift where you are in Ireland
View all <a href="https://euroweeklynews.com/news/eu-news/irish-news/">news from Ireland.</a>
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Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has responded calmly to Bruno Fernandes’ post-match remarks following Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over the Spanish side in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final
Manchester United secured a commanding away win in Spain with two goals from Fernandes and another from Casemiro
A key moment in the match came when Athletic defender Daniel Vivian was shown a red card for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund inside the box
leading to Fernandes converting the resulting penalty
Fernandes backed the referee&#8217;s decision during a tense exchange with a journalist who questioned the red card
without getting into controversy… and may the best team win.”
The second leg of the Europa League semi-final will be held next Thursday at Old Trafford
where Athletic Club face an uphill task to overturn the three-goal deficit
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<a href="https://www.tv360nigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/tv360nigeria-streaming-schedule.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
<a class="ath_autolink" data-id="655" href="https://theathletic.com/football/team/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a> will take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="1203" href="https://theathletic.com/football/team/athletic-club/">Athletic Club</a>
All three goals came in the first half with <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="wQ6Q8xViV8kqizDc" href="https://theathletic.com/football/player/casemiro-wQ6Q8xViV8kqizDc/">Casemiro</a> opening the scoring and <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="qr6VV7sJwbrbqULf" href="https://theathletic.com/football/player/bruno-fernandes-qr6VV7sJwbrbqULf/">Bruno Fernandes</a> adding the other two
The United captain’s brace came after Athletic’s <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="7us1an7lYMS5UTbx" href="https://theathletic.com/football/player/dani-vivian-7us1an7lYMS5UTbx/">Dani Vivian</a> was shown a controversial red card once VAR adjudged him to have fouled <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="AkRQzbAuYkdbWzpa" href="https://theathletic.com/football/player/rasmus-hojlund-AkRQzbAuYkdbWzpa/">Rasmus Hojlund</a> in the penalty area
The 3-0 win leaves Ruben Amorim and his players in a fantastic position to make the final, where they will likely meet <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="6" href="https://theathletic.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League</a> rivals <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="656" href="https://theathletic.com/football/team/tottenham-hotspur/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/athletic" target=_self>Subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer</a>
Athletic Club 0 Manchester United 3 – Crushing win
How about those second legs come next Thursday then
Both Premier League sides will have it all to lose — and sometimes that can bring the most incredible storylines
As for the lead up to the second leg of this one
Manchester United head to Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon in the UK
We already know Ruben Amorim’s feelings on the remaining league schedule — while Brentford enjoyed a brilliant 2-0 win at high-flying Nottingham Forest tonight
they can exchange Europa League notes on Manchester United during their tricky trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday night
Sitting fourth in La Liga and hoping for Champions League qualification
they won’t want to drop points at this stage of the season
They also have a big night in Manchester on the horizon to prepare for…
then in the streets near the stadium and finally inside the ground
there was a real sense of an historic occasion building for Athletic Club and their fans
the Basque team’s dreams of playing for a European trophy in their home stadium were all but certainly crushed
the San Mames atmosphere had shown itself well capable of hosting such a showpiece occasion
Soon after United’s previous visit in 2012
the old crumbling stadium was knocked down completely with an all-new modern bowl built over an extended footprint
which will host games at the World Cup in 2030
The facilities for fans (and media) are excellent
as are the acoustics — Bruno Fernandes managed to ignore tremendous noise before calmly slotting home his penalty
The atmosphere in the city will be excellent for the final
there will be deep disappointment at their team having missed their chance to take part
Manchester United have lost 15 Premier League matches this season and sit 14th in the table
Tottenham Hotspur have suffered 19 defeats and lie in 16th
Yet both sides went about their semi-final first legs as if they were the best teams in England
playing with supreme confidence week-to-week
How have two underperforming English teams been so convincing in Europe
Manuel Ugarte’s pre-match interview on Wednesday made the situation plain:
💬 “The main difference is the physical part
We have felt better playing in the Europa League
we had games in the Premier League where we had opportunities and we didn’t score.”
Athletic mustered the most intense pressing scheme United have faced in the competition
it still offered an additional fraction of a second on the ball
Fernandes and others used that extra beat to flourish
Football fans in Bilbao have gone from imagining Athletic playing a dream final at their home stadium
to wondering whether their city has enough hotels
pubs and police to deal with an all-English final
💬 “Harry Maguire’s response to being nicknamed Harrydinho: ‘I’m sure there are a few nicknames for me out there’..
“I’ll be the first to admit that he’s never been an £80 million defender
but he’s perhaps the only player in the current squad whose personality would have fit into those great Ferguson teams.”
Would any of these personalities have found a place under Sir Alex
We’d happily take your emails on that: live@theathletic.com
Let’s get some of your opinions on that wonderful night for Manchester United — and what may yet prove a successful salvage operation in Europe for Ruben Amorim…
I’m very confused by a comfortable 3-0 away win in Europe
Where’s the inevitable collapse at the end of the game
💬 Jo J: “We’ve been threatening that for a while
being able to piece together a full 90 minutes
midfield control and penetrative attacking with added maturity in the second half compared to previous games
but let’s not forget it was for denying a clear second goal
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There are now just two players who have scored more goals in the Europa League than Bruno Fernandes
The United captain is up 27 all time in this competition
seven behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and three back from Radamel Falcao
He is also now level for most assists in the Europa League with Dries Mertens (both 18)
Fernandes is going to have to fill his boots in what remains of this season as he will not be playing here again next season..
Manchester United took a huge step towards reaching the Europa League final by beating the 10 men of Athletic Club 3-0 in a dramatic semi-final final first leg in Bilbao
They are also on course to face Tottenham Hotspur back in Bilbao for the final
Here we have the brilliant Laurie Whitwell
Carl Anka and Anantaajith Raghuraman breaking down all the key talking points
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde has had his say on the incident that sent his side spiralling — Daniel Vivian’s red card for placing his arm on Rasmus Hojlund a few yards from goal
conceding the penalty that saw Bruno Fernandes make it 2-0
💬 “The sending-off hurt us a lot because it completely conditioned the game when really
“Then the rest of the game came from that penalty moment.”
Bruno Fernandes reserved some special praise for Harry Maguire
after the United centre-back provided another key attacking contribution:
I don’t think even he though he had that in his locker — no one was expecting
his position is becoming more and more strong
“It’s a good thing for him and we hope he keeps improving
this feels like a pretty good shout for a caption competition
What could Maroan Sannadi possibly be saying to the Manchester United captain here
We’ll take wrong answers as well as right ones
Email your suggestions — and any other thoughts on tonight’s action — to: live@theathletic.com
Bruno Fernandes was also asked about his impressive goal-involvement numbers
which were boosted by another two goals this evening:
It’s a big part of my game and I have to take that responsibility
“The club bought me because I scored 32 goals in one season (for Sporting CP)
that I could score and I just need to keep delivering
Quite the night for Manchester United links in Europe
Jadon Sancho scored the opener in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Djurgarden as they closed in on the Conference League final
and so did Antony in Real Betis’ 2-1 home win over Fiorentina in the other semi-final
The Dutch winger scoring the goal that now separates the two sides
That tie is beautifully poised for the return leg in Italy
The UEFA Super Cup is going to be hilarious next season
Ruben Amorim was asked about the experience of his two goalscorers
in helping the team through these tough European nights
💬 “It’s a semi-final in a European semi-final so these players like Casemiro
Harry (Maguire) and Bruno Fernandes help a lot
He has had difficult moments where everything he did was..
everything he does is good for the team so he has to enjoy it.”
becoming the second Manchester United player to say they should have been more brave and less cautious in that second half — which I find interesting
I guess the key context would be whether United played like that due to instruction or just organically as a team
Ed Mackey has also noted how the captain as redeemed himself since his pretty dreadful start to this season
Two more goals tonight have taken him to 19 for the season in all competitions
Mohamed Salah is the now only Premier League player with more goal involvements than the United captain this term
Another two clinical finishes from Bruno Fernandes this evening and he was very pleased with his side’s body of work in Bilbao
💬 “You can never predict a scoreline like that
I love these atmospheres and I love to play in these stadiums
“We got the result in the first half and then controlled the second half
but we should have pushed a little bit more.”
In one of the worst domestic seasons in the club’s history
Manchester United have been able to find great relief in their European campaign
Their three goals tonight mean they have scored more goals in their seven Europa League games in this calendar year (19) than they have in 15 Premier League matches (18)
here is Bruno Fernandes’ performance tonight visualised via one of The Athletic’s snazzy graphics
and the most involvements in attacking sequences
Bruno Fernandes is the first player in Europa League history to register more than 30 goal contributions in the knockout stages
Manchester United are halfway through to a Europa League final showdown with (presumably) Tottenham Hotspur after an unexpected 3-0 victory away to 10-man Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the semifinals on Thursday
MORE - <a class="Link" href="https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/europa-league-quarterfinals-schedule-scores-live-bracket" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Europa League semifinal schedule &amp; results</a>
The Red Devils were yet to attempt a shot until the half-hour mark
Their first shot of the game actually turned out to be an assist
as Manuel Ugarte’s header from a corner kick went wide of goal but found Casemiro lingering at the back post to clean it up from two yards out
Athletic Bilbao were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when defender Daniel Vivian dragged Rasmus Hojlund
down in the box and Bruno Fernandes made it 2-0 from the penalty spot
Fernandes bagged Man United’s third goal right before halftime as well
as he made a diagonal run in behind Bilbao’s defense and Ugarte somehow slipped it through
Fernandes raced toward the penalty spot and put it in the same spot as his penalty kick
Tottenham Hotspur hold a 3-1 advantage in the other semifinal after they beat Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt at home
Kick off time: 3pm ET Thursday (May 1)Venue: San Mames — BilbaoTV/Streaming: <a class="Link" href="https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/uefa-europa-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paramount+</a>
That backheel from Manuel Ugarte for Bruno Fernandes to finish it off 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/vHk75hCRY4">pic.twitter.com/vHk75hCRY4</a>
Things go from bad to worse for Athletic Club 😰They are down two goals and to ten men in the first half 👀 <a href="https://t.co/MnUy63BKBr">pic.twitter.com/MnUy63BKBr</a>
Harry Maguire...the WINGER?! 😱His ball finds Manuel Ugarte who heads it onto Casemiro for the goal 😤 <a href="https://t.co/FOBhb62LcV">pic.twitter.com/FOBhb62LcV</a>
who thought they had scored with their first shot of the game
but Alejandro Garnacho was pretty clearly offside
Ernesto Valverde’s Bilbao are pushing for Champions League qualification in La Liga and have the carrot dangling in front of them that if they win this semifinal they will play in the Europa League final at their home stadium
Nico Williams is their main threat up top and Bilbao are a tough team to break down (they’ve conceded just 26 goals in La Liga this season)
In the end they eased past Rangers in the quarterfinals and look determined to reach the final at their home ground
This will be some occasion for the city of Bilbao
Everything hinges on winning the Europa League for United and it’s massive for Amorim’s future at the club
Bilbao have warmed up for this semifinal well as they beat Las Palmas 1-0 last Wednesday and have had a whole week off
But there are concerns over top goalscorer Oihan Sancet who suffered a hamstring injury in that game
Nico Williams is obviously the main threat for Bilbao
while his brother Inaki Williams may play a key role if Sancet is out injured
Both Amad Diallo and Matthijs De Ligt are back in the squad and Amorim has confirmed they are likely to both be on the bench in Bilbao
That is a huge bonus with Diallo so key before his injury in February
Bruno Fernandes continues to drive the team from midfield
while Rasmus Hojlund scoring a late equalizer at Bournemouth at the weekend should give him some confidence
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are getting back to their best
while in defense Harry Maguire is trying to hold things together but United do look suspect at the back and Andre Onana’s recent displays have been questionable
Luke Shaw could start at left wing-back with Patrick Dorgu switching over to right wing-back to replace the injured Dalot
which would mean Noussair Mazraoui switching to center back
Shaw will continue as the left-sided center back and Mazraoui will line up as the right wing-back
This feels like Bilbao will grab a narrow win and both teams will be happy enough with that
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This game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1
Man Utd have won four of their six home games in the Europa League this season
But the Red Devils haven’t kept a home clean sheet in the Europa League under Ruben Amorim
Bruno Fernandes to score or assistBruno Fernandes has scored or assisted in four of Man Utd’s six Europa League home games this season
Man Utd have had a terrible season in the Premier League, but they’re now one result away from a cup final. <a href="/en/team/manchester-united-21">The Red Devils</a> don’t even need to win the second leg of this semi-final, they just need to avoid defeat. But, of course, Man Utd will want to win to build momentum. <a href="/en/team/manchester-united-21">The Red Devils</a> remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season
with eight wins and five draws from their 13 games so far
And they were excellent in their first-leg victory over Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao will have been harbouring hopes of a home final
with their San Mames Stadium hosting the showcase
The Basque club finished second in the group stage with 19 points
only sitting behind Lazio on goal difference
But they’ve had a tough run in the knockout stages
Athletic first had to come from behind to beat Roma in the last 16
before a 2-0 aggregate victory over Rangers in the quarter-finals — which included a goalless draw in the first leg
This game will be too soon for Diogo Dalot
though he is expected back before the season is up
Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez are out for the season
Athletic Bilbao will be without centre-back Dani Vivian after his red card in the first leg
Aitor Paredes came off the bench to fill the gap so could start at Old Trafford
Yuri Berchiche picked up his third Europa League yellow card of the season last time out
but is okay to play with yellow cards expiring after the quarter-finals
This will be the sixth meeting between these two sides
but just the second played at Old Trafford
Man Utd have now won two of their five games against Athletic Bilbao
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Manchester United thumped Athletic Club in a dramatic first half to put one foot in the Europa League final
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<a href="/topic/manchester-united"></a>Three first-half goals helped Manchester United put themselves on the cusp of the Europa League final on Thursday, with the Premier League side earning a<a href="/sport/football/man-united-athletic-amorim-casemiro-europa-league-b2743391.html" title="Man United crush Athletic dreams in Bilbao on best night of Ruben Amorim’s reign"> 3-0 semi-final first leg win away</a> at Athletic Bilbao
with supporters dreaming of a first-ever European trophy
veteran midfielder Casemiro arrived at the back post to give the visitors the lead 30 minutes in
who are having a miserable season domestically
were given another boost five minutes later as Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for fouling Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area and Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting spot kick
The United fans high in the top tier were in dreamland moments later as captain Fernandes raced through to put the seal on a victory
who have the added incentive that the final will be hosted at their own stadium on May 21
could not muster a response in the second half with depleted numbers
leaving United to coast to the most unlikely first-leg success
I think they have to think about the second leg," Amorim said of his message to United's players
"And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough
"There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players
and we have to think now about Brentford and then the second leg."
Asked if that was United's best performance since taking charge in November
I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result
I think you saw two games today - the first 25 minutes and then after the goal
and also with the sending off the game changed
also a good thing in the second half was we tried to be cautious
"We create chances but the most important thing is that the opponent didn't get many shots to our goal and that was really important."
Ruben Amorim told his players that the job is not done despite Manchester United taking a giant step towards the Europa League final with a memorable away win at 10-man Athletic Bilbao
A return to San Mames for the May 21 showpiece against Bodo/Glimt or
Tottenham is within touching distance having seen out an early storm against a side desperately seeking to reach the final at their stadium
Athletic flew out the blocks but imploded after Casemiro put United ahead in the 30th minute
with Bruno Fernandes keeping his cool to score from the spot after Dani Vivian saw red for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund
The nerveless captain added another before the break to complete a 3-0 win for the Red Devils
who head into next Thursday's reverse fixture in complete control of the semi-final
United could well be up against Tottenham in the Europa League final
Here’s is how Spurs got on in their semi-final first leg:
to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet," United defender Harry Maguire told TNT Sports
everyone will be expecting us to go through
and if we do that we'll give ourselves a great chance
Read Richard Jolly’s report from San Mames:
Magnificent night for Manchester United, the best of Ruben Amorim's reign. They are the only unbeaten side in Europe this season, but few can honestly say this scoreline coming. To do it in a semi-final, under such pressure, was really impressive.
Have to feel for Athletic, though. Trophies probably do mean more to clubs who rarely win them and a final on their own ground seemed to offer a wonderful opportunity. Instead, they will be hosts but not winners. It all turned in 16 minutes and while the red card was probably the correct decision, it was also cruel.
What an incredible night for Manchester United. They have one foot in the Europa League final.
90 min: There will be four minutes added on, and United look the most likely to score right now.
87 min: A grumpy Inaki Williams is replaced by Alvaro Djalo.
\"And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough
\"There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players
and we have to think now about Brentford and then the second leg.\"
\"We create chances but the most important thing is that the opponent didn't get many shots to our goal and that was really important.\"
to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet,\" United defender Harry Maguire told TNT Sports
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Check out how to watch Athletic Bilbao v Man Utd in the Europa League
Manchester United's Europa League quest takes them to the Basque Country for the first leg of their semi-final against Athletic Bilbao
The Red Devils would be forgiven for thinking fate is on their side after their remarkable extra-time victory against Lyon in the last round
but Ruben Amorim's team will need to be at their best to ensure they are back at Bilbao's San Mamés Stadium for the final later this month
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt's return to the squad is a timely boost for Man Utd as the hosts will be their toughest test yet in the Europa League
on course for their highest finish in more than a decade
and their 2-0 victory over Rangers in the quarter-finals means they've won all six of their home games in the competition this season – scoring 13 goals and conceding just two
The Spanish club have won three of their last four games and
such as Nico and Inaki Williams on the flanks
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Athletic Bilbao v Man Utd will take place on Thursday 1st May 2025
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Athletic Bilbao v Man Utd will kick off at 8pm
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In working partnership with the Radio Times, <a href=\"https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255\">bet365</a> has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: Athletic Bilbao (<a href=\"https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255\">1/1</a>) Draw (<a href=\"https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255\">12/5</a>) Man Utd (<a href=\"https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255\">29/10</a>)*
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    What channel is Athletic Bilbao v Man Utd Europa League semi-final on
live stream and kick-off timeCheck out how to watch Athletic Bilbao v Man Utd in the Europa League
but Ruben Amorim&#x27;s team will need to be at their best to ensure they are back at Bilbao&#x27;s San Mamés Stadium for the final later this month
Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt&#x27;s return to the squad is a timely boost for Man Utd as the hosts will be their toughest test yet in the Europa League
and their 2-0 victory over Rangers in the quarter-finals means they&#x27;ve won all six of their home games in the competition this season – scoring 13 goals and conceding just two
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In working partnership with the Radio Times, <a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255">bet365</a> has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: Athletic Bilbao (<a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255">1/1</a>) Draw (<a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255">12/5</a>) Man Utd (<a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_01001255">29/10</a>)*
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The Portuguese coach said that proof of that was provided by the opening spell in which they had been under pressure and urged his players to focus on that. Asked if that was United’s best performance since taking charge in November, the head coach said: “No, I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result.”
“The players have to think about the second leg, and more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game,” Amorim said. “The game is going to be really tough. There is no away goals so anything can change: that is my message to the players.”
Amorim added: “You saw two games: the first 25 minutes, before the goal and then after the sending-off [for Athletic’s Dani Vivian] the game changed. The most important thing is that after that the opponent didn’t get many shots. In the first 30 minutes they had some chances to score and didn’t.”
After the game Bruno Fernandes joked “what a winger, I didn’t know he had it in him” after Maguire’s dribble had set up the move that led to the penalty, and the coach saw that as motivation for all his struggling players.
Read more</a>“It is a good lesson for all the players that sometimes you have some moments that you think I will never recover from this or that,” Amorim said
“It is not just Harry; the history of this game can tell you that
It looks like you are struggling a lot and then everything changes
We have to understand some players have moments in their life that everything can change
“I think this was the best game that [Rasmus Højlund] had with me as a coach
he secured the ball and then he made the runs
It is a good moment for him but like Harry he needs to understand everything can change.”
</a><a class="Button_root__RKQ4c Button_outline__jxSq_ Header_headerNavButtonLink__HkrEA" href="/en/payments/sign-in?redirect=%2Fpayments%2Fprofile%2Faccount">Sign In</a><a class="Button_root__RKQ4c Button_fill__AQ8Ba Header_headerNavButtonLink__HkrEA" href="/en/payments/sign-up?redirect=%2Fpayments%2Fprofile%2Faccount">Join</a>Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao: Back 11/2 Bet Builder in Basque derby | OneFootballBetting.Betfair.com
<a href="https://betting.betfair.com/football/the-jokers-bet-of-the-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Bet of the Day</a>
Inaki Williams know all about the Basque rivalry
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<a href="https://www.betfair.com/betting/football/spanish-la-liga/real-sociedad-v-athletic-bilbao/e-34240258" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao</a>Sunday 4 May
There's another of Spain's big derbies taking place in La Liga on Sunday and so it's straight off to the cards and fouls markets
The base for our Basque derby Bet Builder is to back over 4.5 cards
That's occurred in 17 of the last 22 derbies
while ref Cesar Soto Grado is averaging virtually bang on the league average of 4.75 cards per game
The febrile derby atmosphere can help push him up to the 5+ mark
Soto Grado produced seven cards in his only previous Basque derby
Soto Grado is a tad below average on this front but then both sides are in the top half when it comes to fouls committed
I'm going to add Inaki Williams for 1+ foul
That's something he's landed in 10 of his previous 11 appearances in this fixture
He's a product of the <a href="/en/team/athletic-club-213">Athletic Club</a> academy so he very much understands the importance of this fixture to the fans and has regularly produced committed performances to match
I also want to focus on the battle down the Real right where wide man Takefusa Kubo and full-back Jon Aramburu are two of the team's most-fouled players
In opposition will be Athletic left-back Yuri Berchiche
who has committed 2+ fouls in three of his last five derbies and looks set for a tough evening
I'll back him to commit 2+ fouls and also Aramburu to draw 2+
The latter is the value leg of our bet - he's landed this in 15 of his last 21 starts yet can be backed at 10/11 for a repeat I what should be a hard-fought affair
Put the four legs together and you get an 11/2 shot
<a href="https://ads.betfair.com/redirect.aspx?pid=&bid=9810&redirecturl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betfair.com%2Fsport%2Fhome%2F%3Fmodules%3Dbetslip%26action%3DaddAffiliateSelections%26bssId%3D6384543,60263904,44802345,4255338%26bsmId%3D924.456837455,924.456768115,924.456766123,924.456766126" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Back over 4.5 cards, Inaki Williams to commit 1+ foul, Yuri Berchiche to commit 2+ fouls & Jon Aramburu to be fouled 2+ times @ around 11/2</a>
Staked: 289pts Returned: 308.3pts 2024/25 P/L: +19.3pts
2023/24 P/L: +16.78pts 2022/23 P/L: +68.69pts
Related News<a class="RelatedNewsItem_container__7KgBl" href="/en/news/athletic-clubs-tactics-laid-bare-as-take-kubo-sets-personal-la-liga-record-in-basque-derby-draw-41070219">Athletic Club’s tactics laid bare as Take Kubo sets personal La Liga record in Basque Derby draw
PREVIEW | Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao - team news, lineups, predictions
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Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club have the second-lowest expected goals total (xG) against them in La Liga and are somehow even tougher to score against in the Europa League
Athletic have surrendered just 7 shots per 90 minutes in Europe this season
but has still been fairly good: the 10.95 shots they have allowed per 90 minutes is the seventh-best mark in the competition
The bookmakers know a standard bet of under 2.5 goals is far too appealing
If you really want to lean into the under for better odds
Perhaps the best value bet out there is the under 1.5 goals
That encompasses 1-0 wins for either side as well as a 0-0 draw
three of the bookmakers’ five most likely outcomes (along with a 2-1 Athletic Club victory and a 1-1 draw)
A goalless draw is currently priced at 17/2
that wager would spice up what may otherwise be a dull affair in terms of goals
*All odds courtesy of <a href="https://betting.betfair.com/" target=_blank rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Betfair</a>
A 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League at the weekend tells the story of where Manchester United are at the moment domestically
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring for the hosts
before home striker Evanilson was perhaps harshly sent off after slipping in a tackle on Alejandro Garnacho
His red card was later rescinded after a successful appeal
United striker Rasmus Hojlund got a much-needed goal to add to his personal tally as he tapped home from close range to give his side the equaliser in the 96th minute
Luke Shaw made his full return after a 434-day absence due to injury and was a little rusty but showed that he can have a role between now and the end of the season
That result left United 14th in the Premier League table
Bournemouth 1 Man United 1 – Shaw returns and Semenyo impresses as Hojlund rescues point
If it&#x27;s not one Williams getting on the scoresheet
That was true in Athletic Club&#x27;s most recent La Liga match as Inaki Williams
scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Las Palmas to keep the pressure on in the race for Champions League football
Athletic are fourth in the league behind Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid and leaders Barcelona with five games left to play
The top five finishers will qualify for the group stages of next season&#x27;s Champions League
Athletic Club are dealing with their own injury issues
with Oihan Sancet ruled out of today&#x27;s first leg with an injury sustained eight days ago
It&#x27;s a real blow for the Spaniards to lose their leading goalscorer
although he should be fit to return for next week&#x27;s second leg
one of the stars of last summer&#x27;s European Championship
was rested for Athletic&#x27;s last match and is expected to return to the starting XI
Amad and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to training ahead of today&#x27;s game
and will be included in the matchday squad
sustained an ankle ligament injury in February which the club feared could end his season
while 25-year-old De Ligt has been out of action since an ankle injury suffered during the 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on April 1
Amad’s potential return comes at a good time following the news of defender Diogo Dalot’s injury
The Athletic reported last week the Portugal international may not play again this season after suffering a calf injury
United also confirmed Toby Collyer was seen doing individual training with a coach on Wednesday
The midfielder has missed his side’s last six games due to a leg injury
There are two Europa League semi-finals being played this evening and both involve Premier League clubs
While our focus is on the action in Bilbao
Tottenham Hotspur are hosting Norwegian opponents Bodo/Glimt
The second legs for both ties will be played in exactly a week&#x27;s time
And there are two other semi-finals this evening
in the Europa Conference League – Chelsea are in Sweden to face Djurgarden while Real Betis host Fiorentina
it&#x27;s a jam-packed period in the sporting calendar
The MLB and Formula 1 campaigns are well under way
and it is almost time for the trophies and medals to be handed across European soccer,
For the very best industry-leading coverage of all those sports and more
the best place for you to be is on The Athletic
So what are you waiting for? Subscribe <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/athletic" target=_self>on an exclusive offer here</a>. You won&#x27;t regret it!
Here is how you can tune in to the action live:
This brilliant stadium opened in 2013, replacing the old stadium with the same name as the home of Athletic Club.
It holds 53,331 people, making it the largest stadium in Spain&#x27;s Basque Country, and is nicknamed ‘La Catedral’, which as I&#x27;m sure you can imagine, translates into English as ‘the cathedral’.
As they welcome one of the biggest clubs in the world today, expect the congregation gathered to approach its full capacity. And the choir will probably be in full voice too!
The action begins at 9pm local time in Spain, which works out as 3pm ET and 12pm PT on the east and west coast of the United States, and 8pm BST for those in the UK.
Well, hello there. And welcome to The Athletic where today, after two days of Champions League last-four action, we are covering another major European semi-final this evening.
On the cards for tonight: Manchester United&#x27;s trip to Bilbao to face Athletic Club in the Europa League.
The Spanish side are fourth in La Liga and will provide a stern test in the first leg, ahead of the return leg in Old Trafford next week.
There&#x27;s plenty to come in the hours before kick-off, so don&#x27;t go anywhere!
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers
If you click links to other sites on this page
Follow our football betting tips as Manchester United travel to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final
Manchester United travel to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday looking to take the first step towards a return to the Spanish city later this month for the Europa League final
this is a great chance to compete for the trophy on home turf
but in United they are up against something of the unknown
because you just don’t know which team will show up
<a href="/sport/football/football-betting-sites-b2582633.html">Football betting sites</a> are backing the Spanish sides over two legs
with them second favourites to lift the trophy at 21/10
Their home form makes it no surprise that the odds are so short on winning the tournament at their home ground
The only teams to score at San Mamés are Viktoria Plzen and Roma
while Rangers were the only team to stop them scoring when they secured a goalless draw in the first leg of the quarter-final at Ibrox
United have scored in all 12 of their Europa League games and are unbeaten
drawing six and losing six on their way to their fourth semi-final appearance and first since reaching the final in 2021
before losing 12-11 on penalties to Villarreal
when goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan earned them a 2-0 win over Ajax
This is only Bilbao’s second appearance at this stage of the competition and first since they reached the final for the only time back in 2012
when they were beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid in Bucharest
United go into the game with just one win in their last seven games
which is hardly the form of a team going for silverware
That win came in the quarter-final at Old Trafford when they came from 4-2 down to beat Lyon 5-4 in extra time
which has seen them fail to win back-to-back games all season
43 points behind the leaders Liverpool and 21 off the top four
They needed a 96th-minute equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to earn them a point and a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth at the weekend
Bilbao on the other hand are fourth in La Liga
16 points behind leaders Barcelona and go into the game unbeaten in their last six at home and with three wins from their last four in all competitions
Their only defeat came at the home of Real Madrid
who needed a 90th-minute winner from Federico Valverde to give them a 1-0 win
<a href="/sport/betting-sites-b2584371.html">Betting sites</a> are backing Bilbao for the win at 21/20 and you can get 29/10 for a United win and 12/5 on a draw
they might need to keep this one tight and hope they can enjoy one last night to remember at Old Trafford
The two sides last met in the competition during the 2011/12 season
with Athletic claiming a 5-3 aggregate win on their way to reaching the final
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United prediction 1: Athletic Bilbao to win and BTTS - 7/2 <a href="/sport/bet365-bonus-code-b2588938.html">Bet365</a>
United captain Bruno Fernandes has scored 25 goals in the Europa League
which is more than any other Portuguese player in history
He has also been United’s hero too many times to mention
He is one of the very few players who have impressed this season with 17 goals and 17 assists in his 50 appearances so far
He is United’s top scorer in the Europa League with five and the Premier League with eight
and that highlights the issues the Reds have had in front of goal
They have scored just 39 in 34 league games this season in the league
which may be more of a reflection of the standard of the competition
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United prediction 2: Fernandes to score or assist - 13/8 <a href="/sport/william-hill-sign-up-offer-b2590303.html">William Hill </a>
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Manchester United face a daunting trip to Athletic Bilbao in the <a href="https://www.joe.co.uk/tag/europa-league">Europa League</a> semi finals
The first leg will take place on Thursday (1 April) and this is how you can stream the match in the UK and Ireland
Fans in the UK and Ireland can add a monthly pass to their Amazon Prime subscription to watch tonight’s game
You can sign up for a <a href="https://amzn.to/42S5XV3">Discovery+ subscription</a> &#8211; which owns&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3GeLL8h">TNT Sports 1</a>&nbsp;&#8211; and watch via your&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3GeLL8h">Amazon account here</a> in the UK, while fans&nbsp;in Ireland can watch via a PremierSports subscription, which is also available via&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3Y4n8Bl">Amazon here.</a>
So you don&#8217;t have to commit to a contract and can add one month of TNT/Discovery+ to your <a href="https://amzn.to/3GeLL8h">Prime account</a>
The coverage will then begin on TNT Sports 1 at 7pm and the match kicks off at 8pm BST
Man United edge past 10-man Lyon in the quarter finals after three goals in the final seven minutes of extra time
But Athletic &#8211; who are on track to qualify for next season&#8217;s Champions League through their finish in La Liga &#8211; look to offer a tougher competition for Ruben Amorim&#8217;s side
The two teams previously met in the Europa League&#8217;s last 16 back in 2012
which saw the Basque team win both the home and away legs against United
At the same time Tottenham Hotspur will play Bodo/Glimt in the other semi final first leg, which is taking place at their home ground and will be airing on <a href="https://amzn.to/3GeLL8h">TNT Sports 2</a>
To watch Man United vs Athletic Bilbao on TV tonight you can stream via <a href="https://amzn.to/42S5XV3">Discovery+,</a> which includes TNT Sports. You can do this through BT, EE, Sky and Virgin Media as well as <a href="https://amzn.to/3GeLL8h">Amazon Prime Video.</a>
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Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ken Ferris
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This article features Stats Insider's prediction and tips for the <a href="https://www.statsinsider.com.au/sport-hub/esp/schedule/2024_36_get_bil">Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao</a> game
along with the latest betting odds in Australia
Using advanced machine learning and data, <a href="https://www.statsinsider.com.au">Stats Insider</a> has simulated the result of Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao 10,000 times
Our proven predictive analytics model gives Getafe a 27.9% chance of winning
The latest <a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_03369384" rel="sponsored">Bet365</a> betting odds in Australia for this La Liga clash at Estadio Coliseum are listed here:
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change
Bet365 currently has Getafe at $3.75 and Athletic Bilbao at $2.30
Lastly, <a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_03369384" rel="sponsored">Bet365</a> currently has odds of $2.80 for a draw if you think both sides will be level after 90 minutes
The over/under for total goals scored is set at 2.5 with <a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_03369384" rel="sponsored">Bet365</a>
which has odds of $3.00 for the over and $1.40 for the under
These Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao betting tips are based on market-leading simulations and betting experience to bring you the best possible advice around the clock
Betting on Getafe to win is the best option due to the 1.2% edge identified when comparing our data-led probabilities to the sportsbooks' odds
Taking advantage of the edges published here at <a href="https://www.statsinsider.com.au">Stats Insider</a> is one of the keys to achieving long-term profitability when punting on sports
Despite the Under being more likely to hit in this game, Over 2.5 is our best bet because of the better odds ($3.00) that are available from <a href="https://www.bet365.com/olp/open-account?affiliate=365_03369384" rel="sponsored">Bet365</a>
Stats Insider provides full coverage of the <a href="https://statsinsider.com.au/sport-hub/esp/schedule/2024_36_get_bil">Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao</a> match on Friday
including data-driven predictions and live updatestips
so refresh this page for the latest betting tips before the Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao match
As always, see Stats Insider's <a href="https://statsinsider.com.au/best-bets">Best Bets</a> to get betting tips on every La Liga match
as well as predictions for a wide range of other sports
The La Liga game between Getafe and Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Coliseum is scheduled to begin at 5:30am AEST on Friday
All dates and times in this article are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Our Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao predictions have been made based on 10,000 data-driven simulations of the game, all curated by our team of experienced data scientists and analysts. We use the <a href="https://www.statsinsider.com.au/about-us">latest in predictive analytics technology</a> and machine learning to ensure our La Liga tips are trustworthy and reliable
so that you can make informed decisions with confidence
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<a href="https://www.statsinsider.com.au">Stats Insider</a> is your go-to source for betting on the La Liga in Australia, with the latest <a href="https://statsinsider.com.au/news?sport=ESP">La Liga betting news</a>, <a href="https://statsinsider.com.au/sport-hub/ESP/schedule">tips for every La Liga game</a>, and <a href="https://statsinsider.com.au/futures/esp">futures odds for the La Liga</a>.
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Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final after coming away from Bilbao with an unlikely 3-0 victory over Athletic Club
With what&#8217;s surely Ruben Amorim&#8217;s biggest win as Manchester United boss so far
the Red Devils are within grasp of salvaging something big &#8211; silverware
and with it Champions League qualification &#8211; from what&#8217;s otherwise been by a distance their worst campaign of the modern era
With Tottenham winning the first leg of their own semi-final
we could genuinely witness the prospect of the Premier League&#8217;s 16th and 17th-placed teams meeting in a major European final come the San Mames final on May 17th
Athletic had come into the contest as heavy favourites
given their formidable home form and the fact that they&#8217;re riding high &#8211; 4th &#8211; in the La Liga table
But having made it all the way to the semi-finals
their dreams of contesting the Europa League final on their own patch has been left in tatters
The hosts had actually made a strong start
creating chances and putting Amorim&#8217;s men under pressure
was an early warning of the threat the visitors posed
in the build-up to Casemiro&#8217;s headed opener
United doubled their advantage in the 37th minute after Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot after VAR intervened
Dani Vivian was also shown a red card for the incident
having been judged to have pulled back Rasmus Hojlund
Fernandes put United into a commanding three-goal lead in the tie after a deft backheel flick from Manuel Ugarte in the build-up
The second half passed relatively serenely for United as they sat on their comfortable advantage
You&#8217;d imagine not even they can squander it when they take the Basque outfit back to Old Trafford for next week&#8217;s second leg
We&#8217;ve collected 12 unbelievable stats from Manchester United&#8217;s big win
— Manchester United notched 14 shots to the hosts&#8217; nine and seven on target to their three
They registered 72.4% possession and 558 accurate passes to Athletic&#8217;s 160
— They remain the only side unbeaten in all three UEFA competitions this season
They&#8217;ve won eight and drawn five of their 13 outings in the Europa League
their points-per-match average in the Europa League matches stands at 2.23
That&#8217;s almost twice as good as their Premier League points per game average of 1.14
— United have scored more goals in Europa League matches in 2025 (19) than they have in the Premier League (18) &#8211; despite playing more than double as many matches (15 to seven) in the latter competition
— Opta gave Athletic Club a 48.8% chance of a victory at San Mames, and Ruben Amorim&#8217;s just 25.5% in their<a rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://theanalyst.com/2025/05/athletic-bilbao-vs-manchester-united-prediction" target="_blank"> pre-match prediction simulation</a>.
— Victor Lindelof completed 95 passes for United. That&#8217;s 73 more than Athletic&#8217;s top passer, Yaray Alvarez on 22.
— Ernesto Valverde&#8217;s side have lost just one of their 17 La Liga outings on home soil this season. Only Atletico Madrid and Osasuna have won away in Bilbao (all competitions) since their 0-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid at the start of last season.
— Across 23 matches on home soil in La Liga and the Europa League this season, Athletic Bilbao had conceded just 12 goals. United scored three in 45 minutes.
— No player in Europa League history has registered more goal contributions (19 goals, 12 assists) in knockout stage matches than Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain has notched 31 from just 32 knockout games.
— Mohamed Salah is the only Premier League player to have notched more goal contributions than Fernandes (35 &#8211; 19 goals, 16 assists) in all competitions in 2024-25.
— Given Spurs&#8217; 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt, the overwhelming odds are that it&#8217;ll be an all-Premier League Europa League final. Only once before in Manchester United&#8217;s history (the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea) have they faced a fellow English club in a European final.
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No player has scored more than Bruno Fernandes&#x27; seven goals in this season&#x27;s Europa League
Manchester United took a huge step towards reaching the Europa League final as a stunning spell in the first half against 10-man Athletic Bilbao ensured they take a big advantage into the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford
the visitors could have been 2-0 down after Inaki Williams sent a header from a good position over
before Victor Lindelof blocked Alex Berenguer&#x27;s shot on the line
But the game turned dramatically in United&#x27;s favour in the 30th minute when Harry Maguire produced some good skill on the right before his cross was flicked on for Casemiro to head in
It got even better for the visitors seven minutes later when
after a review by the video assistant referee
they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund by Dani Vivian
Bruno Fernandes then closed out the loud boos from the home fans to coolly place the spot kick into the back of the net
And a rampant United went 3-0 up just before the break when Manuel Ugarte played a clever flick to send Fernandes through and the captain made no mistake
Ruben Amorim&#x27;s side could have had more in the second half with Casemiro - impressive throughout - clipping the outside of the post with a header from a corner
A fourth would have firmly put the tie beyond Bilbao and although it was not to be
a three-goal deficit is still likely to be too much for the Spanish side to overcome when they head to Old Trafford next Thursday
With Tottenham beating Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in their semi-final first leg
an all-English Europa League final is looking likely
Was Bilbao win best of Amorim&#x27;s Man Utd reign
Are we set for Man Utd v Tottenham final in Europa League
How &#x27;Harrydinho&#x27; inspired Man Utd
This was a dream result for a United side desperate to end a campaign that has disappointed domestically with a trophy
21 points off the top five - the places that secure automatic qualification to the Champions League
But their qualification for Europe&#x27;s premier club competition is now looking more and more likely through the Europa League with the comprehensive victory in Bilbao ensuring they have one foot firmly planted in the final
The San Mames Stadium will host the showpiece finale on 21 May
making this performance by United all the more encouraging
should they get the job done in the second leg
There is no reason to doubt they will not do just that
particularly with players like Fernandes stepping up when it matters most
Time and again the Portugal international has dug his side out of a hole and this time it was his calmness that put United in control
His penalty proved crucial as a miss would likely have motivated the Bilbao players and the incredibly loud home fans - but instead he rolled it confidently into the corner to leave the hosts deflated
Another cool finish just before the break delivered another blow to the team from the Basque Country
There is something about the Europa League that brings Fernandes alive with his seven goals the most by any United player in an edition of the competition
only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Radamel Falcao (30) have scored more goals in the Europa League than Fernandes (27 - level with Romelu Lukaku)
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de Ligt Match OfficialsReferee: Espen EskåsVideo Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di PaoloAssistant Referee 1: Jan Erik EnganAssistant Referee 2: Isaak BashevkinFourth Official: Morten KroghAssistant VAR Official: Daniele ChiffiMatch StatsKey
Scroll LeftScroll RightThis is the first European meeting between Athletic Club and Manchester United since the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League last 16 – under Marcelo Bielsa
2-1 home) and eventually reached that season’s final
Manchester United have lost three out of four European matches against Athletic Club
with their one win coming back in February 1957 in the second leg of that season’s European Cup quarter-final
a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford which took them into the semi-final 6-5 on aggregate
Athletic Club have reached their third European semi-final and they progressed from the previous two: in 1976-77 against RWD Molenbeek in the UEFA Cup and 2011-12 against Sporting CP in the UEFA Europa League
Manchester United are the only side still unbeaten in this season’s UEFA Europa League (W7 D5)
Their 12 games without defeat are their longest in major European competition since going 15 in a row between November 2016 and October 2017
Athletic Club have won all six of their home UEFA Europa League matches this season at San Mamés
The last side to win seven home games in one campaign was Ajax in 2016-17
Manchester United have scored 28 UEFA Europa League goals this season
their most since scoring 34 goals in 2020-21
They’ve had the most shots (222) and touches in the opposition box (458) of any side in this season’s competition
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde will manage in a major European semi-final for the first time since the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona against Liverpool
Barca lost 4-0 in the second leg and were eliminated
Ruben Amorim is unbeaten in all eight of his UEFA Europa League matches as Man Utd manager (W6 D2)
the longest unbeaten start in major European competition with the Red Devils since Alex Ferguson (first 11 games unbeaten)
Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 29 goals in 31 UEFA Europa League appearances in the knockout stages (17 goals
The Man Utd captain has three goals and three assists in his three games at the semi-final stage
Alexandre Lacazette and Kevin Gameiro (all seven) having a hand in more in the semi-finals
Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has had a hand in at least one goal in all six home UEFA Europa League appearances this season (5 goals
Only three players – Giuseppe Rossi (2010 – 2015)
Guillaume Hoarau (2011 – 2017) and Ciro Immobile (2017 – 2019) have scored or assisted in seven home games in a row
Álvaro Djaló (Athletic Club) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner
Maroan Sannadi (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the attacking half
Hand ball by Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
Leny Yoro (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card
Unai Gómez (Athletic Club) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left
Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked
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Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Marcelo Bielsa&#x27;s Athletic Bilbao after their last visit to Old Trafford
The Spanish side saw off <a href="https://talksport.com/sport/football/team/113099/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a> over two legs during the 2011/12 season
Bilbao won home and away against the Red Devils in the last 16 of the <a href="https://talksport.com/topic/europa-league/">Europa League</a> 13 years ago
Their victory included a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in the first leg of the tie
The performance saw the visitors dubbed the &#x27;owners of Old Trafford&#x27; by local Basque press
Bielsa was hailed by Ferguson after employing a surprise training approach ahead of the match
Bielsa hoped it would allow them conserve energy during the match by being better prepared.
He later reflected on beating Ferguson eight years on from their meeting ahead of taking Leeds to Old Trafford in 2020.
Bielsa told reporters: &quot;He gave me praise that I never forgot. He said he wasn’t surprised that Athletic had won.
&quot;What did surprise him was on the day of the game
my team had trained for an hour-and-a-half
&quot;There is something that justifies training on the day of the game
the training consumes some energy that would be needed in the game
&quot;But that training session showed the players where to run
&quot;That allowed them to run less in the game because they were in the correct positions.&quot;
Ferguson had been full of praise for Bielsa&#x27;s side following their first leg performance
the legendary United boss admitted: &quot;It was an outstanding performance by them
&quot;The highest stats of any team that has played at Old Trafford in the last 10 years
That is great credit to the desire of the team
&quot;They are very determined and organised
He has instilled these qualities in his team.&quot;
The magnitude of not only facing Ferguson but beating him was not lost on Bielsa as he recalled their two-legged clash
He added: &quot;I have noted down many memories with respect to that game against Manchester United
&quot;Anything I say about Ferguson is just to confirm everything that he has already done
I have noted that anyone in the presence of Ferguson is like receiving a medal for that person.&quot;
Bilbao followed up their first leg triumph by winning 2-1 on home soil in the second leg to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory
They would go on to reach the final before losing 3-0 to Atletico Madrid
As for Bielsa, he spent two years in charge between 2011 and 2013, with his first campaign also including a run to the <a href="https://talksport.com/topic/copa-del-rey/">Copa del Rey</a> final
United once again take on Bilbao in the semi-finals of this season&#x27;s Europa League
The winner will face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in <a href="https://talksport.com/football/3101666/europa-league-final-date-kick-off-time-stadium-tickets-tv-channel/" rel="">the final on May 21</a>
with Bilbao&#x27;s stadium once again serving as the host venue
Red Devils out to spoil the party and reach the Europa League final
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<a href="/topic/manchester-united">Manchester United</a> face <a href="/topic/athletic-bilbao">Athletic Bilbao</a> in their <a href="/topic/europa-league">Europa League</a> semi-final first leg tonight
<a href="/topic/man-utd">Man Utd</a> - despite their awful Premier League form - are the only unbeaten team in European competition this season
but that record will surely be put to the test against the LaLiga outfit
<a href="/sport/football/athletic-club-vs-man-utd-live-stream-latest-score-updates-result-europa-league-b1225473.html" title="Athletic Club vs Manchester United LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction">CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ATHLETIC CLUB VS MANCHESTER UNITED LIVE!</a>
It can be argued there is slightly more pressure
on Bilbao as the final later this month is being held in their own stadium - San Mames - and Nico Williams spoke yesterday about the honour such an occasion would bring
Their only defeat in their last 10 games across all competitions was away at Real Madrid and it took an injury-time goal from Federico Valverde to break their resistance
the Red Devils know winning the Europa League is their only route back into Europe next season and proved against Lyon in the quarter-final that they’ve got the character to go all the way
Here’s everything you need to know about where to watch..
the game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1
Coverage starts at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website
Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s <a href="/sport/football/athletic-club-vs-man-utd-live-stream-latest-score-updates-result-europa-league-b1225473.html" title="Athletic Club vs Manchester United LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction">LIVE blog</a>
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Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has hit out at the referee&#8217;s performance in their 3-0 loss to Man Utd on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final
<a href="https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-bilbao-send-in-clowns-man-utd-run-riot-europa-league-semi-final">The Red Devils produced a good performance</a> to take command of the tie with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace after Casemiro&#8217;s early opener
Bilbao were the better side early on but Casemiro&#8217;s header after lovely work from Harry Maguire on the right
Dani Vivian was then sent off minutes later after VAR reviewed a decision and awarded a penalty for the Athletic Bilbao centre-back pulling Rasmus Hojlund to the ground and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity
<a href="https://www.football365.com/manchester-united">Man Utd</a> captain Fernandes converted the penalty before he made it three on the stroke of half-time with a lovely finish after Manuel Ugarte had flick the ball through to him
But the Athletic Bilbao players were frustrated that VAR didn&#8217;t spot a potential handball from Alejandro Garnacho in the build up to the first-half penalty
Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde told reporters: &#8220;We protested a handball by Garnacho
I think the ball hit his hand… but the referee decided it was a penalty and a red card [for Vivian].&#8221;
Williams also mentioned the handball and sent a warning to Man Utd ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week
he said: &#8220;We are capable of coming back
&#8220;There are some plays that raise doubts
The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho
&#8220;It’s a struggle between Vivian and him
and it’s unfortunate that he called it.&#8221;
insists Athletic Bilbao will give it their all to qualify for the final after admitting they weren&#8217;t &#8220;sharp&#8221; enough against Man Utd on Thursday
We’ve already seen that Lyon gave them problems at home and we’re going to try and do the same
&#8220;The work of the entire season speaks for itself
Our fans have always supported us and we’re going to give it our all.&#8221;
When asked if Man Utd had put the tie to bed in Bilbao
Red Devils midfielder Casemiro &#8211; who produced a wonderful display &#8211; said: &#8220;No
&#8220;I give that message as it is not over
I know this Athletic Bilbao team very well
&#8220;We have to show a lot of respect and I ask on behalf of Manchester and everyone that we have to have respect them as an opponent because they never give up.&#8221;
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has warned his squad about their massive duty to redeem a disappointing season by clinching the Europa League title
United headed into their Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao following yet another loss in the Premier League to Brentford on Sunday
which left them sitting in 15th place and at risk of their lowest final standing since their relegation in the 1973-74 season
need to understand in this moment that we have a big responsibility (to win the Europa League)
We have to prepare a squad for different competitions,&#8221; Amorim said
Their winless streak in the league has now reached six matches
as they found themselves trailing 4-1 against Brentford before late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo provided a slight sense of dignity for the underperforming visitors
Amorim has lost 12 of his 24 league matches with United
after their 3-0 victory over Bilbao in the first leg last Thursday
United realised they could secure a place in the Champions League by winning the Europa League
On Sunday, Amorim made eight changes at the Gtech Community Stadium to keep his key players rested for the upcoming <a href="https://newscentral.africa/fernandes-double-puts-united-on-brink-of-europa-final/" title="second leg ">second leg </a>against Bilbao at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Trafford" title="Old Trafford">Old Trafford</a>.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire were among the prominent players who started the match on the bench, illustrating Amorim&#8217;s emphasis on European competition.
Temitope is an astute writer and editor with keen interest in geo-politics, wildlife, and sports. With a keen eye for insightful storytelling and analysis, he uses his writing to engage, inform, inspire and is dedicated to advocating for positive change and national transformation.
Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, a former close associate of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a notable&hellip;
Getty ImagesGary RoseBBC Sport journalistPublished1 May 2025Whenever Manchester United have needed their captain most
The Portugal midfielder helped ensure Ruben Amorim&#x27;s side have one foot in the Europa League final with two goals in a hugely impressive 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final tie
But it was the timing of his goals that were crucial
With Manchester United 1-0 up thanks to Casemiro&#x27;s opener
a second would put them in a commanding position but a penalty miss would provide a huge motivational boost for Athletic Bilbao
despite the huge noise made by the home fans at San Mames Stadium
Fernandes drowned it all out to coolly fire home the spot kick
His second - a calm finish when one-on-one effectively ended the home side&#x27;s hopes of staging a comeback and ensures Manchester United go into the second leg next week in the strongest possible position
Athletic Bilbao played more than 45 minutes of this game with 10 men so the tie is not over yet
but Fernandes showed that when he is needed he can be counted on and he and his team-mates will be determined to finish the job at Old Trafford
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