Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Ruben Amorim Names Unchanged XI for Semi-Final Clash
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has named an unchanged XI for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford.
Key Highlights:
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has named an unchanged starting XI for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford. The Red Devils hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Bilbao and are looking to secure their place in the final.
Amorim has placed his trust in the same eleven players who secured the convincing victory at San Mames, a decision that highlights his confidence in the squad’s ability to finish the job at home.
Team News and Lineups
Manchester United XI:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Abakar Yoro
- Midfielders: Noussair Mazraoui, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Christoffer Dorgu
- Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes (Captain), Rasmus Hojlund
Substitutes:
Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Fredricson, Kamason, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Mantato.
Athletic Club XI:
- Goalkeeper: Julen Agirrezabala
- Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray (Captain), Unai Nunez, Yuri Berchiche
- Midfielders: Ruiz De Galarreta, Jaureguizar
- Attackers: Djalo, Unai Gomez, Alex Berenguer, Sannadi
Substitutes:
Simon, Boiro, De Marcos, Lekue, Paredes, Prados, Rego, Urbasan, Vesga, Guruzeta, Olabarrieta, Varela.
Key Team Updates
- Manchester United Unchanged: Ruben Amorim has shown faith in the same lineup that secured the first-leg win. Despite suffering a minor injury against Brentford, Matthijs de Ligt is unavailable for this clash, but is expected to return before the season concludes.
- Athletic Club Missing Williams Brothers: The Basque side is without their key forwards, Inaki and Nico Williams, due to injury, which significantly reduces their attacking threat.
- Amad’s Impact from the Bench: Manchester United’s talented winger Amad remains a potent option off the bench and could feature in the second half.
Tactical Insights
Manchester United’s unchanged lineup indicates Ruben Amorim’s confidence in the team’s attacking and defensive structure. Bruno Fernandes will continue to captain the side, operating in an advanced role behind Rasmus Hojlund.
- Solid Midfield: Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte provide a strong central presence, with Mazraoui and Dorgu offering width on the flanks.
- Defensive Stability: Maguire partners Yoro and Lindelof in a three-man defence, protecting goalkeeper Andre Onana.
- Athletic Club’s Adjustments: With the Williams brothers missing, Athletic will rely on Berenguer and Sannadi to provide the attacking threat.
What Lies Ahead
Manchester United’s 3-0 lead gives them a strong advantage heading into the second leg, but Athletic Club will be looking to stage a dramatic comeback. A place in the Europa League final is at stake, and both teams are expected to deliver an intense contest at Old Trafford.
The winner of this tie will advance to the Europa League final, where they will face the victor of the other semi-final. Manchester United’s focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while capitalizing on counter-attacks through Garnacho and Hojlund.
As the stage is set for a thrilling European night, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if Ruben Amorim’s men can complete the job.
Stay updated with the latest from Hindustan Herald — your trusted source for
Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, and More.
📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
🔔 Join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald
