Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has named an unchanged starting XI for the decisive Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club at Old Trafford, showing full confidence in the team that secured a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg at San Mames.
With a place in the final within touching distance, Amorim has opted for consistency and rewarded the players who delivered a dominant performance in Bilbao last week. The Reds are hoping to finish the job tonight in front of a packed home crowd and book their ticket to the final of Europe's secondary club competition.
Trust in Consistency
In keeping with the "don’t fix what isn’t broken" philosophy, Amorim has stuck with the same eleven that cruised to victory in the Basque Country. The team produced one of their best European displays of the season in the first leg, with intensity, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing all on display.
That means Andrรฉ Onana continues between the posts, protected by a back three of Victor Lindelรถf, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro. On the flanks, Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu provide the width, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte anchoring the midfield.
Captain Bruno Fernandes leads the side from a more advanced role, flanked by Alejandro Garnacho, while Rasmus Hรธjlund starts up top, hoping to add to his European goal tally.
De Ligt’s Absence and Bench Adjustments
One notable absentee is Matthijs de Ligt, who picked up a knock during United’s weekend defeat to Brentford. Although the Dutch defender featured in the first leg in Spain, he is unavailable for tonight’s game. The club is optimistic he’ll return before the end of the campaign.
De Ligt’s injury means United name just 11 substitutes, one fewer than the 12 permitted and used in the previous leg. Among those on the bench is Amad Diallo, who has become a potent option for Amorim off the bench in recent weeks.
The rest of the substitutes’ bench includes a mix of experience and youth, such as Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and promising young talents like Amass, Kamason, and Mantato.
Athletic Club’s Challenges Continue
Athletic Club face an uphill battle, made steeper by the confirmed absence of their attacking duo Inaki and Nico Williams. The influential brothers are both sidelined, significantly weakening Ernesto Valverde’s options as the Basques attempt to mount a comeback on English soil.
Athletic start with Agirrezabala in goal, with a defensive line made up of Gorosabel, Yeray รlvarez (captain), Unai Nรบรฑez, and Yuri Berchiche. In midfield, Ruiz de Galarreta and Jauregizar will look to control possession, while the attacking trio of Djalo, Unai Gomez, and Berenguer will support lone striker Sannadi.
The bench includes experienced names like De Marcos, Lekue, and Vesga, but Valverde knows his team will need something extraordinary to overturn the three-goal deficit.
United’s Mentality: Focus and Finish the Job
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not underestimating their opponents despite the advantage:
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but the tie is not over. Athletic Club are a proud team with quality and fight. We must play with the same energy and control as we did in the first leg.”
Captain Bruno Fernandes echoed the sentiment, urging his teammates to approach the game as if it were level:
“We go again with the same mentality—intensity from the first whistle. This is a semi-final in Europe; no one can afford to relax.”
The Road Ahead
A win or even a narrow defeat will see Manchester United reach the Europa League final for the first time since 2021. With the final scheduled for later this month, fans are already beginning to dream of silverware under Amorim’s fresh leadership.
United’s progress in the competition has been marked by tactical evolution, youthful energy, and a growing sense of belief. With players like Garnacho, Yoro, and Mainoo stepping up in big moments, the Reds are beginning to resemble a balanced and hungry squad ready to reclaim their European pedigree.
For Athletic Club, the task is monumental, but not impossible. Should they find an early goal, nerves could set in and momentum may shift. The Basques are famed for their fighting spirit and will be determined to leave Manchester with heads held high.
Confirmed Starting XIs
Manchester United
Starting XI: Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Hojlund.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Fredricson, Kamason, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Mantato.
Athletic Club
Starting XI: Agirrezabala; Gorosabel, Yeray (c), Nunez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Djalo, Unai Gomez, Berenguer; Sannadi.
Substitutes: Simon, Boiro, De Marcos, Lekue, Paredes, Prados, Rego, Urbasan, Vesga, Guruzeta, Olabarrieta, Varela.
Final Thoughts
With the crowd behind them and the cushion of a three-goal lead, Manchester United are in pole position to reach another European final. But the job is not done yet. Athletic Club will be fighting for pride, and perhaps a miracle, while United must be ruthless and professional.
If all goes according to plan, the Reds may soon be planning their route to the final—and potentially adding another chapter to their storied European history.
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