Manchester United XI vs Athletic Club: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Europa League today

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Evening Standard

·1 mai 2025

Manchester United XI vs Athletic Club: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Europa League today

Ruben Amorim handed major new double fitness boost for semi-final first-leg showdown in Bilbao

Return: Manuel Ugarte should be back in the Manchester United midfield to take on Athletic Club in the Europa League

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Manchester United will have Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt back for tonight’s Europa League semi-final first-leg trip to Athletic Club.

Both players trained at Carrington on Wednesday morning, and are in contention to make the matchday squad but neither will start in the Basque Country.

“They can be in the squad for the game,” United boss Ruben Amorim told reporters on Wednesday evening.

“We have the game tomorrow and then we will train here on Friday. We need to prepare for the next game against Brentford [on Sunday]. We have brought young kids to prepare for the next game."

Amad has not featured for United since February due to an ankle injury that has seen him miss 21 games across all competitions - including the dramatic quarter-final second-leg win over Lyon a fortnight ago.

A lack of match sharpness will count against Amad when it comes to the Red Devils’ starting XI in Bilbao, with captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho set to continue in the advanced midfield roles behind striker Rasmus Hojlund.

De Ligt has been out since the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the beginning of the month and will not be risked from the off, which means Amorim should select the same back five that started the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last time out.

Back in action: Amad Diallo trained with Manchester United at Carrington on Wednesday

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Manuel Ugarte is expected to return in central midfield alongside Casemiro, meaning Kobbie Mainoo makes way. Young striker Chido Obi can’t feature as he was not named in United’s revised squad for the knockout stages, which was submitted to UEFA in February.

Diogo Dalot has joined long-term absentees Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee on the sidelines but Toby Collyer and back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir might make the matchday squad after taking part in training on Wednesday too.

Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund

Injured: Martinez, Dalot, Zirkzee, Heaven

Doubts: Collyer, Bayindir

Ineligible: Obi

Time and date: 8pm BST on Thursday May 1, 2025

Venue: San Mames, Bilbao