Athletic Bilbao vs Man United Playing XI: Midfield Switch, Diallo and De Ligt Start? Team News, Predicted Lineups

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Football fans are set for a thrilling clash as Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao face off in the Europa League Semi-final. The highly anticipated match kicks off at 8:00 PM local time on Thursday, May 1 at Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.

Manchester United staged a thrilling comeback reminiscent of the Ferguson era by defeating Olympique Lyon 5-4 in a dramatic second-leg Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday, April 17. With a 7-6 aggregate victory, the Red Devils booked their place in the semifinals by sending fans into euphoria after a night of high drama. This new generation of United heroes has reignited the club's old magic and turned the stadium into a cauldron of ecstasy with a performance full of passion, grit and late-game heroics.

Manchester United has received a timely lift with Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt back in training ahead of their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. The duo took part in Wednesday's session at Carrington and could feature in the squad though neither is expected to start in the away leg.

"They can be in the squad for the game," United boss Ruben Amorim told reporters on Wednesday evening and also added, "We have the game tomorrow and then we will train here on Friday. We need to prepare for the next game against Brentford [on Sunday]. We have brought young kids to prepare for the next game."

Manuel Ugarte is set to reclaim his place in midfield alongside Casemiro, which means Kobbie Mainoo will be dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, young striker Chido Obi is ineligible for selection after being left out of Manchester United's updated UEFA squad for the knockout stages.

Man United vs Athletic Bilbao: Injury Updates, Who Will Miss the Match?

Defenders Lisandro Martínez is suffering from a calf strain and Diogo Dalot is facing hamstring issues and remains sidelined, leaving gaps in United's backline.

Striker Joshua Zirkzee who has been dealing with a knee problem since last month, is still undergoing rehabilitation and isn't expected back until late May. The Dutch striker, who'd quickly become a fan favourite with his clever link-up play and crucial goals, pulled up in clear distress during Sunday's dismal 4-1 loss at Newcastle. Club medics now fear the worst. What was meant to be a pivotal run-in could now see him watching from the treatment room.

Additionally, promising academy graduate James Heaven is suffering from ankle ligament damage and is ruled out with the 19-year-old full-back likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Man United vs Athletic Bilbao: H2H Record

Manchester United has struggled in recent meetings with Athletic Club by failing to secure a victory in their last three encounters. The Red Devils have recorded two losses and one draw while Athletic Club have enjoyed the upper hand with two wins and one draw during the same period. This lopsided record highlights the Spanish side's recent dominance in this fixture is putting United under pressure to turn the tide in their upcoming clash.

Manchester United: 0
Athletic Bilbao: 2
Draw: 1

Man United vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted Lineup

Manchester United probable lineup (3-4-2-1): Andre Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro; Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund.