‘Everything points to…’ – Man United sent warning about Athletic Club’s game plan after injury blow

Manchester United’s entire season hinges on beating Athletic Club over two legs in the Europa League.

Picking up points in the Premier League has proven difficult for Ruben Amorim, but he has been flawless in Europe since arriving at Manchester United.

With the Red Devils slumped down in 14th in the Premier League table, domestic matches have turned into a way for Amorim to experiment with academy players and try to make progress with his 3-4-2-1 system.

Focus is fully on winning the Europa League as it’s the only remaining route to Champions League qualification.

After the dramatic victory over Lyon at Old Trafford, United now face Athletic Club in the semi-final, with the first leg in Bilbao on Thursday evening.

Spanish media on Athletic Club’s game plan vs Man United
United once again have the advantage of playing the second leg at Old Trafford, but first Amorim’s side must keep the tie alive during the trip to Spain this Thursday.

Amorim has prepared for Athletic Club’s system so he will know what to expect from the La Liga side on Thursday.

But Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo believe that Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde could take a big risk on Thursday after his side’s injury blow with Oihan Sancet.

They write: “Everything points to the Athletic Club manager going all out against the English side the day after tomorrow.”

Oihan Sancet is ruled out for Athletic Club after his injury setback was deemed “worse than expected”. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been a key player for them this season, but now Valverde will have to find a replacement.

Clearly, Spanish media expect Bilbao to come racing out the blocks at United to try and build up a lead before they return to Old Trafford a week later.

Man United team news ahead of Athletic Club clash

With full focus on winning in Europe, Amorim has risked academy players in the Premier League in order to rest his key players for the Europa League.

Thankfully, United avoided any new injury setbacks in the draw to Bournemouth on the weekend, but before that game Amorim confirmed that Diogo Dalot has picked up an injury.

The Portugal international will likely miss both legs of the Europa League semi-final as he recovers from his calf injury.

Remarkably, Amad Diallo has returned to training and could return to full fitness in time to face Athletic Club – although it is more likely he will feature in the second leg at Old Trafford.

Matthijs de Ligt missed the Lyon clash and he will also face a race to be fit for either leg against Bilbao. The same can be said for Ayden Heaven.

Long-term absentees Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez have both seen their season come to an abrupt end so will have to watch United chase European success from the sidelines.