United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United travel to Spain to face Athletic Bilbao on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League Semi-Final. With a shot at Champions League football on the line, a solid result will set up the Reds to advance, while a poor performance could doom Amorim’s side to miss out on Europe completely.

Who is available, and who will Ruben Amorim select in the critical first leg?

Team News

Manchester United will be without Diogo Dalot for the tie with Athletic Bilbao after the right back suffered a calf injury before the draw at Bournemouth. In his absence on Sunday, Noussair Mazraoui pushed into the wing back spot, while Luke Shaw joined Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro in the back three.

Amorim’s usage of those three against Bournemouth signals that he will likely keep the same for Bilbao, with Andre Onana in the net.

Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu are the only experienced wing backs available, with Harry Amass providing cover. Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have been performing well together of late, especially in the Europa League, and should start again together.

Kobbie Mainoo is a third candidate to start after several strong performances but is more likely to come off the bench in Bilbao.

Alejandro Garnacho had a strong performance against the Cherries on Sunday and should line up alongside Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield positions. Rasmus Hojlund, who scored a late equalizer at the weekend, will lead the line.

Ruben Amorim is still without Matthijs De Ligt and Amad Diallo, though both players could be available if United advance to the Final.

Lisandro Martinez and Toby Collyer remain out and are unlikely to play again this season.

Lineup Prediction

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Defenders: Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw

Midfielders: Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund