As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, Manchester United is set to host Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on May 9, 2025, at 4 AM Korean time. Following a resounding 3-0 victory in the first leg, the Red Devils are in a commanding position to advance to the final. However, manager Ruben Amorim has urged his squad to remain vigilant, emphasizing that one goal could shift the momentum of the match.
In the first leg, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro delivered standout performances, each scoring to secure a comfortable lead for Manchester United. Despite their advantageous position, Amorim remains cautious. "One goal can change the atmosphere. We won't be complacent about the aggregate score," he stated during a pre-match press conference. This sentiment reflects a deep understanding of football's unpredictable nature, especially in knockout competitions.
To bolster team morale ahead of the crucial encounter, Manchester United has announced plans for a new tifo banner, a visual display intended to energize the supporters. The initiative, inspired by captain Bruno Fernandes, aims to create a historic atmosphere at Old Trafford. The banner will be unveiled on match day and is set to be raised from the ground to the roof as players make their entrance. Excitingly, fireworks will accompany the display, promising a spectacular visual treat.
Casemiro, who has been pivotal in the team's success this season, took a moment to express gratitude towards the fans. "This season, we haven't reached the position we wanted to be in. However, the fans always support us, whether we play well or not. These fans support us whenever the team is struggling or facing changes or problems," he remarked. His heartfelt thanks underscores the crucial role that fan support plays in a team’s morale.
On the other side of the pitch, Athletic Bilbao faces a challenging scenario. The Basque side is grappling with injuries to key players, including the Williams brothers, Nico and Iñaki, along with top scorer Oihan Sancet. Manager Amorim acknowledged this situation but emphasized that Manchester United must focus on their game plan while anticipating potential adjustments from Bilbao. "We are concentrating on our own game plan, but we are also anticipating how the opponent might change in various ways," he noted.
Amorim also addressed the importance of maintaining focus, stating, "That's obvious. Anything can happen during the season. One goal can completely change the atmosphere of the game, and substitutions can turn the tide. We're not thinking about the result, but preparing to win the game." This perspective highlights the mindset necessary for success in high-stakes matches.
As the match approaches, the stakes are higher than ever. Manchester United must secure a victory to ensure their place in the Europa League final for the first time since 2021. The team is still riding high on their unbeaten streak in the competition this season, boasting 8 wins and 5 draws. Amorim's squad could become the seventh team to reach the final without a loss since the 2018-19 season, a feat only achieved by Chelsea in that timeframe.
However, recent league results have raised concerns. Just before the semi-final, Manchester United suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League, prompting Amorim to field a younger squad to conserve his first-team players for European competition. The Red Devils currently sit in 15th place in the league, with 16 losses in 35 matches, making the Europa League their best chance to secure a spot in the Champions League for the 2025-26 season.
For Athletic Bilbao, the task is daunting. They have not advanced to a European final since the 2011-12 season and are struggling in La Liga, having won only five of their last 14 matches. With their recent form, which has seen them fail to score in six of their last nine games, the pressure is mounting. Coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the difficulties, stating, "It is a challenge to compete at this level while missing so many different tasks."
Bilbao's historical record against English clubs does not bode well either; they have lost seven of their last nine encounters. The last time they faced Manchester United, they suffered a 3-2 defeat under coach Marcelo Bielsa in March 2012. As they prepare for the second leg, they must overcome their scoring woes to stand a chance of overturning the aggregate score.
In terms of squad news, Manchester United is dealing with injuries to several players, including Dutch midfielder Matthijs de Ligt, who missed training ahead of the match. Amorim confirmed that de Ligt will not play in the upcoming game and is also unlikely to feature in the following match against West Ham United. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Aiden Hepburn remain sidelined.
Despite these challenges, the Red Devils are eager to capitalize on their home advantage. They have not lost at Old Trafford in their last 11 Europa League matches, a streak they aim to extend. With a strong lineup, including the likes of Fernandes and Garnacho, Manchester United is ready to face the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao.
As kickoff approaches, excitement builds at Old Trafford. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with fans rallying behind their team in hopes of witnessing a historic night. With everything on the line, both teams will be looking to make their mark in this crucial encounter. Will Manchester United secure their place in the final, or can Athletic Bilbao pull off a remarkable comeback? Only time will tell as the drama unfolds.
