Manchester United Aims For Europa League Final Against Athletic Bilbao After Strong First Leg Performance

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Manchester United are on the brink of another trophy despite their struggles in the Premier League. They secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League, putting them in a strong position for the final. The second leg will be held at Old Trafford, with Bilbao's San Mames Stadium set to host the final on May 21.

Ruben Amorim aims to become the first manager since Thomas Tuchel to reach a major European final in his debut season with an English club. Jose Mourinho is the only United manager to have achieved this, leading his team to the 2016-17 Europa League title. Amorim stated, "We need to win, and we need to fight to win this competition to give something to our fans and go into the Champions League."

In their five previous encounters, United and Bilbao have scored a total of 22 goals. United netted 12 times while conceding 10. Each match featured at least three goals. Historically, Bilbao have struggled against English teams away from home, losing seven out of nine matches. However, they did defeat United 3-2 in March 2012.

The Opta supercomputer gives United a 48.5% chance of winning the second leg, while Bilbao's chances stand at 25.7%. For reaching the final, United have a staggering 98% probability and are favourites to win against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt. Meanwhile, Bilbao's chances of overturning this tie and winning the trophy are just 1%.

United's impressive performance against Bilbao was unexpected as they dismantled one of LaLiga's top teams. Despite their domestic struggles, United remain unbeaten in their last 13 Europa League matches this season (8 wins, 5 draws). They could join an elite group by reaching the final without losing any match.

At home, United have been formidable in Europe, losing only once in their last 30 Europa League games—a narrow defeat to Real Sociedad in September 2022. To miss out on progressing from this tie, they would need to lose by three goals or more at Old Trafford—a feat never achieved by any visiting team in European competition.

Challenges for Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao face a daunting task as they aim to avoid losing both legs of a knockout tie for only the third time in major European competitions. Their previous instances were against Ferencvarosi TC and Marseille. Injuries compound their challenge with key players Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet sidelined.

Sancet has been prolific this season with 17 goals across all competitions but remains unavailable due to injury. The absence of these players leaves Gorka Guruzeta as Bilbao's main attacking threat; he has contributed seven goals and five assists this term.

Players to Watch

Manchester United - Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes is crucial for United's attack with an impressive record of creating chances and scoring goals. He ranks among top scorers in Europa League history alongside notable names like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Athletic Bilbao - Gorka Guruzeta: With key players missing through injury, Guruzeta becomes vital for Bilbao’s attack having scored seven times this season along with providing five assists.

If Bilbao manage an unlikely comeback without their star trio available it would mark one of their greatest nights on European stage yet again showcasing unpredictability inherent within football itself.