Man United vs Athletic Club: Kick Off Time, Team News and Predicted Score | OneFootball

Man Utd on Brink of Europa Final as Athletic Club Visit Old Trafford

Manchester United welcome Athletic Club to Old Trafford on Thursday evening with a commanding lead in their Europa League semi-final. A 3-0 away victory in Bilbao — aided in no small part by Dani Vivian’s first-half red card — has set the stage for what should be a straightforward conclusion to the tie.

Yet this is Manchester United in 2025 — a team capable of brilliance, chaos, and everything in between. Manager Ruben Amorim, chasing the one prize that might salvage a forgettable campaign, will know that his side’s job is far from finished.

The prize is significant. A place in the final, which will ironically be hosted in Bilbao, and a route back into the Champions League — both would go some way to reshaping the narrative of United’s season.

Squad Updates and Team News

Injuries have again reared their head for United. Both Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot are ruled out after failing to train with the squad on Wednesday. Their absence weakens a defence that, despite a clean sheet last week, remains vulnerable under pressure.

There is better news elsewhere. Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, and Noussair Mazraoui were all rested or partially rested over the weekend, preserving energy and focus for Thursday’s tie.

Amad Diallo is pushing for a starting berth after scoring against Brentford, offering a bright and energetic option in the final third. Chido Obi is unavailable due to ineligibility.

Photo: IMAGO

Athletic Club, meanwhile, travel light. Star brothers Inaki and Nico Williams are both absent — the former with a hamstring issue and the latter having missed last weekend’s draw with Real Sociedad. That double blow strips the visitors of pace and dynamism in attack.

Dani Vivian is suspended following his red card, and Oihan Sancet, another influential figure, is a doubt having missed the first leg with injury.

Match Details and Where to Watch

Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025Kick-off: 8pm BSTVenue: Old Trafford, Salford

TV Channel: TNT Sports 1, from 7pmLive Stream: Available on the Discovery+ app and website (TNT Sports subscribers)

Prediction: Final in Sight but Caution Advised

On paper, the tie is done. 3-0 up and playing at home, United should have more than enough to progress. But this is a club still finding its identity under Amorim, and they’ve already proven this season that complacency is a dangerous habit.

Athletic Club can take heart from Lyon’s second-leg performance in the quarter-finals, where four goals flipped a tie on its head. A quick goal, a nervy atmosphere, and belief could creep into the Spanish side’s play.

Still, United have attacking options and the knowledge that one goal likely kills the tie. Expect some drama, but also a ticket to Bilbao.

Prediction: Man Utd 2-2 Athletic Club(United progress 5-2 on aggregate)