Athletic Club vs Manchester United Predictions

These two sides are ready to produce an electrifying and close contest. The Athletic Club vs Manchester United UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg is likely to end in a draw.

Match info: UEFA Europa League

Venue: San Mames, Bilbao

Date: Thursday, 1^st May 2025

Time: 8 pm Nigerian time

Manchester United have an opportunity to salvage their poor season, as they take on Athletic Club at Sam Mames in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final.

Manchester United have a stellar continental record, but they have lost three of their last four UEFA encounters against Athletic Club. Their only victory occurred in February 1957.

Head-to-head:

• Athletic Club won 2 of the 2 UEFA Europa League meetings between the two teams.
• Manchester United have never defeated Athletic Club in the Europa League.
• Athletic Club scored 5 goals in those games, while Manchester United hit the back of the net 3 times.
• Athletic Bilbao have won three of their last five games.
• United have only won one of their last five games.

Form:

• Athletic Club in the Europa League: W-L-W-D-W
• Athletic Club in all competitions: D-W-W-L-W
• Manchester United in the Europa League: W-D-W-D-W
• Manchester United in all competitions: D-L-W-L-D

Team News:

• Oihan Sancet is injured and will not be in action for Athletic Club.
• Manchester United will be without the services of Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Lisandro Martinez, and Toby Collyer as they are injured. Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven’s availability depends on their match fitness.

Player(s) to watch:

• Nico Williams will play a crucial role in the attacking front for the Athletic Club here. He has eight goal contributions in 12 UEFA Europa League games for his side this season. Williams has scored two goals in the last three games for Athletic Bilbao and will be looking to add more to his tally.
• From controlling the midfield to scoring the goals, the Portuguese midfielder has been in great form for the Red Devils. Bruno Fernandes knows how to create trouble for the opponent’s defence with his timed passes. He was one of the goal scorers for the Red Devils against Lyon and will yet again be looking to help his side.