Man United v Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao head to Old Trafford in a bid to overturn a 3–0 deficit from the first leg. With a place in the Europa League final on the line, they'll need to attack from the very start. United have shown their vulnerability plenty of times this season, but will be surely feel that they've got one foot in the final with such a notable lead heading into this second leg.

⭐ Man United v Athletic Bilbao Best Bet

⬇️ Back Each Team to have 3+ Corners @ 1.36 on Paddy Power

While United hold a commanding aggregate lead, their attacking nature, coupled with Almorim’s proactive approach, makes it unlikely they’ll adopt a conservative stance. 

Bilbao must go all out in search of a miracle comeback. This dynamic creates ideal conditions for corners at both ends.

United have taken 3+ corners in 13 of their last 15 home games, with opponents doing so in 10 of those, too. Bilbao have hit 3+ corners in 20 of their 24 away matches this season.

🟢 Man United v Athletic Bilbao #WhatOddsPaddy Tip

Fernandes has 35 goal contributions this season (19 goals, 16 assists), a remarkable 13 more than the next best in the squad. Now joint top scorer in the Europa League (seven goals), he is averaging 0.98 shots on target per 90 this season and 1.14 in Europe.

He has hit the target in each of his last four appearances. While he hasn’t been first to do so recently, his central role, set-piece duty, and with an inclination to take early long-range efforts make him a strong contender here.

With Bilbao’s primary attacking outlets potentially sidelined (Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet), Sannadi will likely lead the line here. He averages 0.72 shots on target per 90 and has registered at least one in two of his last four European appearances. Given Bilbao’s urgent need to push forward and Sannadi’s advanced positioning, he’s a strong candidate to register their first shot on target.

👕 Man United v Athletic Bilbao Predicted XI

🔍 Man United v Athletic Bilbao Players to Watch

🔴 Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes remains Man United’s creative heartbeat, delivering 35 goal contributions this season. After a brace in the first leg, he’s now joint top scorer in the Europa League with seven goals. If United are to find the net again, most certainly putting the tie to bed, Fernandes is the most likely to be involved. He's on free-kick and penalty duties too.

🔵 Mikel Jauregizar

A regular in Bilbao’s midfield, Jauregizar consistently racks up fouls, averaging 1.93 per 90, rising to 2.08 in European competition. He has committed 2+ fouls in five of his last six continental appearances, and 13 of his last 24 overall. Against a United midfield that has drawn 37 fouls in their last eight matches, expect Jauregizar to be heavily involved again.

📂 Man United v Athletic Bilbao Cheat Sheet

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💻 Man United v Athletic Bilbao Form and Tactics

Man United return to Old Trafford with one foot already in the Europa League final after a stunning 3-0 first-leg win at San Mamés. While this competition has often provided a welcome distraction from United’s domestic struggles, it now represents a realistic shot at silverware, and a chance to end a turbulent season on a high.

Rúben Amorim’s side delivered a near-perfect performance in Bilbao, executing a clinical and composed display against a team that had previously won all six of their European home games this season. United’s European run remains unbeaten (W8, D5), built on controlled possession (57.9%), the highest xG in the competition, and a dynamic wide game that has produced the most touches in the opposition box and the second most corners won.

They frequently dominate final-third entries through structured overlaps and intelligent ball movement, and their efficiency in attack is backed by top-three rankings in both big chances created and shots on target.

Defensively, United’s pressing game remains a key feature, particularly high up the pitch, where they win possession often. However, their 4-3 defeat to Brentford at the weekend underlined lingering fragility when pulled out of shape, a concern if complacency sets in with such a commanding lead.

Athletic Club now face near-impossible odds. Not only do United boast a 100% progression record on the 20 previous occasions they’ve won the away first leg in a UEFA knockout tie, but only once in European history has a side recovered from losing the first leg at home by three or more goals.

Ernesto Valverde’s side were uncharacteristically passive in Bilbao, failing to assert their usual direct transitions or test United’s back line, albeit the early red card for Dani Vivian not helping the cause. Their away record in Europe offers little comfort either, having failed to win any of their last three on the road (D1, L2) and losing seven of their last nine away to English clubs.

Defensively, Amorim’s United press high, ranking strongly in possession won in the final third, but make few interceptions or clearances, signalling a side that trusts its shape and pressing rather than reactive defending. Discipline could play a pivotal role in a tight semi-final, and United maintain an edge in this area with fewer fouls and cards than their Basque hosts.

Man United v Athletic Bilbao Ref Watch

• Referee - Daniel Siebert

• Stats are per 90 and are taken from Siebert's 2024/25 games in all competitions (11 total)

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.