Rúben Amorim is predicted to repeat a controversial trick he pulled off against Lyon as Manchester United line up to face Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-finals.
Manchester United have arrived in Spain ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Club on Thursday afternoon — a defining moment in Rúben Amorim’s tenure as he looks to take his side one step closer to European glory.
The Reds booked their place in the final four with a breathtaking comeback against Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford. Trailing late in the tie, United struck three times in seven minutes through Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire to seal a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory.
Since then, domestic results have offered less cause for celebration. A 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth — salvaged by Rasmus Højlund in stoppage time — extended their winless run in the Premier League.
Now, after a few valuable days to reset and prepare, United have landed in Bilbao with focus fully locked on Thursday’s clash at San Mamés, knowing a strong performance in the first leg could tilt the tie in their favour.
Amorim predicted to name unchanged XI
Amorim has only named an unchanged starting team once so far since his arrival at Old Trafford, during the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Lyon. It was not an overly popular decision at the time, with the tie ending 2-2 in France.
However, ahead of the tie in Bilbao, he is expected to pull off the same trick. However, two players may swap positions, although one of these will not be André Onana, who will remain as the goalkeeper.
As for the back three, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw are the club’s three obvious choices, with Matthijs de Ligt in the squad but not fit to play, according to the head coach.
As for the wing-backs, with Shaw in the back three and Diogo Dalot out through injury, the only realistic options are Noussair Mazraoui on the left and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu on the right, as the high-pressure tie may come a little too soon for Harry Amass during the opening months of the 18-year-old’s senior career.
In the midfield is where the only change may be made. Bruno Fernandes started as part of the front three with Kobbie Mainoo alongside Casemiro against Bournemouth. However, given Athletic Club’s defensive proficiency, Amorim may opt to select his captain in a deeper role, with Mainoo more advanced.
The English midfielder has shown himself to be fantastic in tight spaces, which may come in handy in attack on Thursday night, with Fernandes instead supplying the front three.
With Fernandes deeper, this would allow the Portuguese player to feed Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho, both very willing runners who will be looking to get in behind Athletic Club at any given moment.
United predicted XI vs Athletic Club
Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mainoo, Højlund, Garnacho.
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