Live commentary of Manchester United versus Athletic Bilbao: Ruben Amorim aims to match Jose Mourinho's success as Red Devils pursue a scarcely achieved Europa League triumph
Sparking Excitement: Manchester United are teetering on the edge of the Europa League final as they confront Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final second leg, live on talkSPORT.
Offensive Overhaul: United thumped Bilbao in the first leg, sprinting into a 3-0 lead by halftime and holding onto that edge.
Goal Machine: Bruno Fernandes netted two goals, following Casemiro's opener after an impressive assist from Harry Maguire that earned him a fresh nickname.
Unfinished Business: Ruben Amorim won't declare the job done yet, but it's hard to deny that Bilbao's task of overturning a three-goal deficit at Old Trafford seems insurmountable.
Legendary Milestone: If United can see this tie through, they will join an elite group of only six teams to reach the Europa League final without losing a single game throughout the campaign.
Head-to-Head with Mourinho
Amorim has a notable personal feat on his radar alongside his team focus.
Red Devils Highlights
- Four Transfers Denied but Instant Success: Manchester United attempted to sign a winger four times before the transfer was finalized, resulting in an immediate impact[2].
- Europa League Rule Change Desired by Wenger: Arsène Wenger wants a significant rule change in the Europa League that would affect United and Tottenham, should they reach the final[3].
Amorim's ambition could mirror that of compatriot Jose Mourinho, who is the only United manager to reach a major European final in his debut season, achieving this feat in the 2016/17 Europa League. The Europa League title, a result of that 2016/17 final, remains United's most recent continental crown[1].
On the Brink of History
- First English Manager in the Debut Era: Amorim stands on the precipice of becoming the first English manager to reach a major European final in their rookie campaign since 2021[2].
- European Final Statistics: Only one side has ever lost the first leg of a two-legged knockout tie away from home by 3+ goals and failed to progress in major European competitions, which occurred in the 2023-24 UEFA Conference League last 16(4-1 away win, 6-1 home defeat after extra-time)[1].
- Historical Encounters: In the teams' previous five meetings, there have been 22 goals (4.4 per game), with United scoring 12 and conceding 10[1]. Athletic Club, however, has lost seven of their nine previous away games against English teams in all European competitions (W1 D1)[1].
Man United vs Athletic Bilbao: Teams
Man United XI: Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Fredricson, Kamason, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Amad, Mantato.
Athletic Bilbao XI: Agirrezabala, Gorosabel, Alvarez, Nunez, Yuri, De Galarreta, Jaureguizar, Djalo, Berengeur, Gomez, Sannadi.
Subs: Simon, Paredes, Vesga, Guruzeta, Lekue, De Marcos, Prados, Canales, Boiro, Olabarrieta, Rego, Varela.
- InNIaki Williams has scored four of Athletic Club's seven away goals in their UEFA Europa League campaign (57%). Aritz Aduriz, the only player to score more away goals for the team in a single campaign, has done so twice, both in the UEFA Europa League (6 in 2015-16, 5 in 2017-18)[1].
- Manchester United have scored 31 goals in this season's UEFA Europa League, more than any other team. Only in 2002-03 (32) and 2020-21 (34) have they ever scored more in a single campaign in major European competition[1].
What's Been Said?
Amorim affirmed that his complete focus has been on this Europa League semi-final after playing a heavily rotated side in the Premier League over the weekend[2].
Amorim said after the loss to Brentford, "So we have to accept that and to think about Thursday now, which is the most important game for us."
** showpiece.**
If Bilbao can pull off the improbable comeback, they would be the first team to lose both their home and away leg of a knockout tie in major European competition for only the third time. In contrast, United's recent home form in the Europa League has been impressive, having lost just one of their last 30 home games (W23 D6)[1].
Coverage on talkSPORT
This Europa League semi-final second leg is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, with kick-off set for 8pm. talkSPORT will broadcast live coverage from Old Trafford, with commentary from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce. To listen to the game through the website, click HERE for the live stream. Coverage can also be accessed via the talkSPORT app or on DAB digital radio, smart speakers, and AM radio (1089 or 1053 AM). Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest odds and bet boosts. talkSPORT.com will also provide a dedicated live blog for all the action.
- Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, aims to achieve both team and personal milestones in the Europa League.
- Amorim's aspirations mirror those of compatriot Jose Mourinho, who led United to a major European final in his debut season.
- In the 2016/17 Europa League, Mourinho became the only United manager to achieve a major European final in his first year, resulting in United's most recent continental title.
- If United can progress in the Europa League, they will join an elite group of six teams to reach the final without losing a single game throughout the campaign.
- Amorim stands on the brink of becoming the first English manager to reach a major European final in their rookie campaign since 2021.
- United's immediate success was the result of four transfer attempts before the deal was finalized, positioning a new winger for an impactful debut.
- Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal manager, desires a significant rule change in the Europa League that would affect United and Tottenham, should they reach the final.
