Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips | Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg

Man Utd vs Athletic Club: Can United Seal a Spot in the Final?

Manchester United welcome Athletic Club to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League semifinal clash, holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Spain. With the final just one match away, the Red Devils are clear favorites to progress — but their inconsistent home form leaves room for caution.

First Leg Recap: Fernandes and Casemiro Lead United Charge

In the first leg, Bruno Fernandes struck twice and Casemiro added a third, punishing a wasteful Athletic side that also saw Dani Vivian sent off. That result places United on the brink of their first Europa League final since 2021.

Man Utd Team News: Injuries create selection puzzle

United's injury woes continue. Key defenders Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, and full-back Diogo Dalot are all sidelined. Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer, and Joshua Zirkzee also remain unavailable.

However, Noussair Mazraoui and Christian Eriksen return to the squad, and Amad Diallo recently made his long-awaited comeback. Manager Ruben Amorim will look to manage the squad carefully with a packed domestic schedule ahead.

Predicted United XI (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Lindelöf; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Højlund, Fernandes

Athletic Club Team News: Attacking options limited

Athletic Club will be without both Nico and Iñaki Williams, along with Oihan Sancet, leaving a major gap in their attacking setup. Dani Vivian is suspended following his red card in the first leg.

While Unai Gómez and Óscar de Marcos are back in the squad, Ernesto Valverde’s side face an uphill battle in Manchester with limited firepower.

Predicted Athletic XI (4-2-3-1):
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Paredes, Yeray, Berchiche; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; Djaló, Gómez, Berenguer; Sannadi

Head-to-Head & Stats

• United are unbeaten in 6 of their last 7 European home games.
• Athletic Club have never progressed in Europe after losing the first leg by three or more goals.
• Only one team (Valencia, 2014) has overcome a 3-goal deficit in a Europa League semi-final.

Odds & Betting Tips

• Man Utd to Win: 4/9
• Both Teams to Score – No: 10/11
• Bruno Fernandes Anytime Goalscorer: 5/2
• Correct Score Prediction: Man Utd 2-1 Athletic Club (15/2)

Top Picks:
Man Utd to Win
Under 3.5 Goals
Fernandes to Score or Assist

United are expected to manage the game professionally. While their defense is stretched, Athletic’s lack of attacking depth should keep the hosts comfortable.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Athletic Club (Aggregate: 5-1)

A spirited effort from Athletic Club may test United at times, but with Bruno Fernandes in top form and the Red Devils well in control, expect a composed finish from the home side.

What’s Next?

• Europa League Final: Man Utd vs Tottenham Hotspur/Bodø/Glimt – May 21, 2025 (TBD)
• Premier League Run-In:
  • 11/05 – Man Utd vs. Brighton
  • 16/05 – Chelsea vs. Man Utd
  • 25/05 – Man Utd vs. West Ham