Ruben Amorim has hinted that one “quality” Manchester United players will not start the all-important first-leg of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao this week.
Manchester United’s frustrations in the Premier League continued with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Attention, however, has firmly shifted to the Europa League — now United’s clearest path to silverware and Champions League qualification. Just three games stand between Ruben Amorim’s side and a major European triumph.
United are the only club still unbeaten in European competition this season, having seen off Real Sociedad and Lyon en route to the semi-finals.
Awaiting them is their sternest test yet: Athletic Bilbao. The Basque club, currently fourth in La Liga, bring a blend of technical quality and attacking threat that will demand United’s best.
The semi-final first leg takes place in Spain this week, before Old Trafford hosts the decisive second leg next Thursday.
Amorim praises “quality” United star after Bournemouth draw
United’s clash against Bournemouth saw several players come off early with Amorim keeping one eye on the Europa League.
Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro were all brought off after 65 minutes and could all be in contention to start on Thursday evening.
On the other hand, that game saw Luke Shaw complete 90 minutes for the first time since 1 February 2024 following a terrible spell with injuries.
Shaw, 29, started the game at left centre-back before moving more towards the flank in the latter stages and Rasmus Højlund’s goal came from the defender’s low cross into the box.
Amorim was very impressed by Shaw’s performance and felt like he wanted to keep him on the pitch to take advantage of the one-man advantage United had after Bournemouth saw Evanilson sent off.
“It’s really important [that he got 90 minutes],” Amorim told reporters. We need to be careful with his availability but today you could feel it, especially with the sending off.
“He was the guy that could overload that [left] side. He has quality in the final third, a good pass. So, we maintain Luke Shaw because of that.”
Amorim hints Shaw will not start vs Bilbao
Shaw’s performance once he moved wide was very promising but there are huge doubts about whether he could play that role on a consistent basis due to the fitness levels it requires.
In fact, it was surprising to see him play 90 minutes in the Bournemouth draw and Amorim has shared caution about throwing Shaw back into the team for the game on Thursday.
Instead, Amorim has hinted that it is more likely that the 29-year-old will start that game on the bench with the potential to come on and impact the game.
“It’s hard when you push 90 minutes from Luke Shaw,” Amorim replied when asked if he could start against Bilbao. “He will maybe be in the squad, maybe we will not start. We need to be careful with him.”
It isn’t really a surprise that Shaw is not in line to start that game but it is a shame that the wide players at the club don’t have the same kind of delivery that he possesses, because it always seems to cause problems.
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