Bilbao's intensity without the ball has defined their European approach. As the fifth-most ill-disciplined side in the competition, they average 14 fouls per game in Europe, with a slightly improved, but still combative, 12.17 at home.

Their last five European home games this season have seen them commit 15, 11, 11, 13, and 16 fouls, consistently clearing the double-digit mark. Notably, each of United’s last five European opponents have been drawn into committing 10 or more fouls.

While United rank among the more disciplined sides in the competition, that control quickly fades when away from home. Their European foul average jumps from 9.17 at home to 11.5 away.

They’ve committed 10+ fouls in each of their last five European away fixtures, and across the whole season, they average 11.35 fouls per game on the road. Bilbao draw an average of 10.33 fouls from opponents at San Mamés in Europe, too.

A mainstay in Bilbao’s midfield, Jauregizar has proven to be one of their most consistent foulers. He averages 1.95 fouls per 90 minutes this season, but his European numbers climb further to 2.23 fouls per 90.

He has committed two or more fouls in each of his last five European starts, and 13 of his last 23 overall. With United’s midfield drawing 26 fouls across their last six games (not including wide players like Dorgu and Mazraoui), Jauregizar looks set to commit a couple of fouls here.

Garnacho averages 3.83 shots per 90, more than any regular Man United starter, and his European output is even more impressive at 4.35 per 90. He’s recorded two or more shots in 10 consecutive European matches (excluding a brief nine minute cameo v Plzen), tallying a total of 38 shots over this period.

Galarreta is another Bilbao midfielder with a high fouling profile, averaging 2.4 fouls per 90 in Europe, mirroring his domestic season rate of 2.41. Though his discipline has slightly improved in recent knockout games (just three fouls in the last four), earlier rounds saw him commit 14 fouls in his first six matches.

With United’s central midfield drawing consistent pressure, 26 fouls drawn in their last six games, Galarreta is likely to return to a more aggressive approach here.

In a United side lacking consistency, Bruno Fernandes continues to deliver elite-level output. With 33 goal contributions this season (17G, 16A), 14 more than the next-highest in the squad, he remains their irreplaceable creative force. In Europe, he has five goals and three assists, including four goals in his last three appearances.

Nico Williams has 11 goals this season (five in Europe) and an average of 1.0 SOT per 90, his presence in the final third is a constant threat. His European form boosts confidence in this selection further, averaging 1.13 SOTs per 90, with at least one shot on target in five of his last seven European games, including 2+ in three of those.

Man United have registered three or more shots on target in 23 of their 26 games away from Old Trafford this season, including their last nine in a row. In Europe this remains solid, averaging 6.33 SOT per European away game.

They struck six shots on target against Bournemouth last time out and have hit three of more efforts on target in eight of their last 10 Premier League games.