If you’ve been tracking the Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Europa League semi-final, you’re probably still processing that first-leg result. Three-nil at San Mamés — with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice — left Athletic facing an uphill climb for the second leg at Old Trafford. This guide walks through the official squads, predicted lineups for both sides, injury and suspension ripples, and everything you need to follow the match.

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Aggregate: Man Utd 7-1 Athletic Club ·
First Leg: Man Utd 3-0 Athletic Bilbao ·
Second Leg: 08.05.2025 ·
Competition: UEFA Europa League Semi-finals

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Man Utd won first leg 3-0 (Squawka)
  • Bruno Fernandes scored twice (ESPN)
  • Dani Vivian suspended for second leg (Squawka)
2What’s unclear
  • Official starting XI not yet confirmed
  • Injury return dates for Nico Williams remain vague
  • Exact substitutes list from UEFA not yet published
3Timeline signal
4What happens next
  • Winner faces Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in final
  • Man Utd hold commanding 3-0 aggregate lead
  • Athletic need a miracle to overturn deficit at Old Trafford

Key facts at a glance

Both clubs released squad details ahead of the second leg, with key players confirmed available or absent through injury and suspension.

Metric Detail
Competition UEFA Europa League Semi-finals
First Leg Score Man Utd 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
Aggregate (after both legs) Man Utd 7-1 Athletic Club
Second Leg Venue Old Trafford, Manchester
Man Utd GK (predicted) Onana
Athletic GK (predicted) Agirrezabala
Man Utd Squad Size (first leg) 26 players
Athletic Squad Size (second leg) 24 players

Is Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao on TV?

If you’re in the UK, the second leg aired on TNT Sports 1 with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST — that’s 20:00 BST for UK viewers. The first leg was also covered through the usual Europa League broadcast partners.

Why this matters

Not all match channels carry pre-match analysis. TNT Sports 1 typically includes studio discussion of team news, which means you may have caught lineup hints before they were officially posted.

Broadcast options

UEFA Europa League matches rotate across TNT Sports, Discovery+, and their respective streaming platforms in the UK market. For international viewers, the UEFA.tv app often provides coverage in regions without exclusive deals.

Streaming services

Beyond traditional TV, Paramount+ holds rights in the United States for UEFA club competitions. fans without cable access can stream through the platform’s app on mobile devices, smart TVs, and game consoles.

The broadcast footprint is solid for UK and US audiences, but regional coverage elsewhere remains patchy — check your local listings or UEFA’s official site for confirmation.

How to watch Manchester United v Athletic Club in UEFA Europa League?

Here’s the practical checklist for catching the second leg live:

  • UK viewers: Tune to TNT Sports 1 or use Discovery+ app. Both platforms usually offer a simulcast stream.
  • US viewers: Paramount+ carries the match — you may need the premium tier for full Europa League coverage.
  • Mobile: All major broadcast apps support iOS and Android with live notifications.
  • Replay: Highlights typically upload to club YouTube channels within 30 minutes of full-time.

TV channels

The primary UK broadcaster is TNT Sports, which holds the Europa League rights through their sports package. In Spain, the match aired onMovistar+ channels, with Athletic Bilbao’s official site sometimes linking to regional carriers.

Live stream links

Direct streaming is available through Discovery+ (UK), Paramount+ (US), and UEFA.tv (select regions). Be wary of unofficial streaming sites — some carry malware or unreliable feeds.

If you’re outside the UK and US, your best bet is UEFA.tv for a free stream, though the quality may be capped on free accounts.

Who scored for Man Utd vs Bilbao?

Bruno Fernandes was the standout performer in the first leg, finding the net twice at San Mamés. Casemiro added a third, rounding out a dominant night for Manchester United.

“The Red Devils are now favourites to win the Europa League and they take a 3-0 lead into their semi-final second leg.”

— Squawka football analysis

Goal scorers list

The confirmed goalscorers from the first leg were:

  • Bruno Fernandes — 2 goals (ESPN reports both came from close-range finishes)
  • Casemiro — 1 goal (header from a set piece)

Match highlights

Manchester United controlled the first leg from the 20th minute onward. Fernandes’s first goal came after a quick passing move; his second was a tap-in following a save from Unai Simón. Casemiro’s header sealed it late in the second half.

The upshot

Fernandes has scored or assisted in four of Man Utd’s six Europa League home games this season, making him the single most consequential player in this semi-final for Manchester United.

The implication: even if Athletic Bilbao manages a strong start at Old Trafford, Fernandes’s form means one lapse in concentration could effectively end the contest.

What are the official lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United?

Official starting XIs won’t be confirmed until matchday, but both clubs have released squad lists that give a clear picture of who’s available — and who’s missing.

Athletic Club starters and subs

Ernesto Valverde named a 24-man squad for the second leg, confirmed by the club’s official website (Athletic Club Official). Notably absent due to suspension is Dani Vivian, who saw red in the first leg.

“Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde has named a 24-man squad for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg.”

— Athletic Club official announcement

Position Player Status
Goalkeeper Unai Simón Expected starter
Defence Aitor Paredes Likely in for Vivian
Midfield Nico Williams Unavailable (groin injury)
Forward Oihan Sancet Unavailable (thigh injury)
Forward Inaki Williams Unavailable

The Athletic Bilbao squad faces significant absence in attack, with both Williams brothers and Sancet ruled out. Aitor Paredes is expected to step in for the suspended Vivian at centre-back.

Man Utd starters and subs

Manchester United took 26 players to Bilbao for the first leg, per the club’s official travelling squad announcement (Manchester United Official). Key injuries for the second leg include Lisandro Martinez (knee, season out), Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring, season out), and Diogo Dalot (calf, not recovering in time).

“Manchester United out for second leg: Martínez (knee), Zirkzee (hamstring), Dalot (calf).” — UEFA match preview

Position Player Status
Goalkeeper Andre Onana Expected starter
Defence Lisandro Martinez Out (knee, season)
Attack Joshua Zirkzee Out (hamstring, season)
Defence Diogo Dalot Out (calf, not soon enough)

The defensive and attacking depth has been tested by long-term injuries, but Ruben Amorim has options in the centre-back and forward positions.

What are the predicted lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd?

Multiple sources have published predicted XIs that account for confirmed injuries, suspensions, and recent form. The UEFA match preview (UEFA official preview) and Sports Mole (Sports Mole prediction) offer the most detailed assessments.

UEFA predicted Man Utd second leg

UEFA’s match preview lists: Onana; Lindelof, Yoro, Maguire; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho. The expected formation is 3-4-2-1.

Formation 3-4-2-1
GK Onana
Defence Lindelof, Yoro, Maguire
Midfield Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu
Attack Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho

The pattern shows Amorim favouring defensive solidity with pace on the counter-attack. Fernandes drops into the number 10 role behind Hojlund, with Garnacho stretching the Athletic Bilbao defence on the left.

Predicted Athletic Bilbao second leg XI

Without Vivian and the Williams brothers, Athletic Bilbao’s shape shifts to a more defensive setup. Sports Mole predicts: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Paredes, Alvarez, Berchiche; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Sannadi. Without Nico Williams, the creative burden falls on Berenguer and Sannadi.

Card situation note

Yuri Berchiche is eligible despite picking up a third yellow in the first leg, as yellow cards expire after the quarter-final stage.

Both clubs have clear constraints heading into the second leg — Man Utd missing three first-team players, Athletic Bilbao missing four including their two most dangerous attackers. The predicted lineups reflect these absences while showing two contrasting approaches: Man Utd’s high-pressing 3-4-2-1 versus Athletic Bilbao’s adjusted 4-2-3-1 built around Sannadi as the target forward.

Form guide and head-to-head context

Recent Europa League results provide context for how each side arrived at this semi-final second leg.

Team Last 6 Europa League results
Manchester United W, D, W, D, W, W
Athletic Bilbao W, L, W, D, W, L

Man Utd arrive in strong form with five wins from their last six Europa League matches. Athletic Bilbao’s record is more inconsistent, with two losses in that span — including the first-leg defeat at San Mamés.

Home record context

Athletic Bilbao were unbeaten in 10 home games before the first leg and held a perfect Europa League home record of six wins with a 14-2 aggregate. Yet Man Utd broke that run with a 3-0 victory.

The form data suggests Man Utd have the psychological edge, but Athletic Bilbao’s home dominance historically made San Mamés a fortress. The second leg at Old Trafford reverses that dynamic — Man Utd’s home record in this competition has been equally formidable.

Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao — key stats comparison

Head-to-head and performance data illustrate the gap between the two clubs heading into the second leg.

Metric Man Utd Athletic Bilbao
First leg score 3-0 win 0-3 loss
Europa League form (last 6) 5 wins, 1 draw 4 wins, 2 losses
Key player goals involvement Fernandes: 4 of 6 home games Nico Williams: injured
Managers Ruben Amorim Ernesto Valverde
Semi-finals reached 1 (current) 1 (current)

Bruno Fernandes has contributed to a goal in four of Man Utd’s six Europa League home matches this season — a rate that underscores his importance. Athletic Bilbao’s lack of their primary attacking outlets through injury compounds their difficulty in overturning the deficit.

Tactical note

Athletic Bilbao need at least three goals at Old Trafford without their two Williams brothers — a scenario that requires tactical adaptation and players stepping up who have not carried the same goal burden this season.

The stats comparison makes clear why the second leg is considered a long shot for Athletic Bilbao. Man Utd’s clean-sheets, goalscoring rhythm, and home form create a high bar to overturn even with 90 minutes remaining. Around 4,000 Athletic Bilbao fans are expected at Old Trafford, per Athletic Club’s official update.

Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao semi-final — match timeline

Key dates and milestones for the semi-final tie, based on official announcements and verified data.

  • 01 May 2025: First leg at San Mamés — Man Utd 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
  • 07 May 2025: Athletic Bilbao squad list announced for second leg (Athletic Club Official)
  • 08 May 2025, 21:00 CEST: Second leg at Old Trafford — kick-off time confirmed
  • 21 May 2025: Europa League final at San Mamés (Manchester United Official)

The timeline shows a compressed schedule between legs, giving Athletic Bilbao limited preparation time to adjust tactics and personnel. Man Utd, meanwhile, can manage squad rotation in the intervening fixtures given their aggregate cushion.

Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao — match centre overview

This section consolidates the match information into a single reference point for fans seeking quick answers.

Man Utd have the advantage. A 3-0 first-leg lead at San Mamés, combined with Bruno Fernandes’s scoring form and Athletic Bilbao’s injury and suspension setbacks, makes the second leg a formality unless a dramatic reversal occurs. Athletic Bilbao need three goals without their two most dangerous forwards — a tall order against a Man Utd side unbeaten in five of their last six Europa League matches.

The winner faces Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the 21 May final at San Mamés. Man Utd are heavy favourites to progress; Athletic Bilbao must produce something extraordinary to change that narrative.

Additional sources

givemesport.com, givemesport.com, youtube.com, si.com, uefa.com

Manchester United’s first-leg dominance shapes the predicted lineups preview, offering deeper stats on key players and tactics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What were the official lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United?

Official starting XIs are confirmed by matchday team sheets on UEFA.com. The article lists predicted lineups based on UEFA’s official match preview, Sports Mole predictions, and squad announcements from both clubs. Key changes include Dani Vivian’s suspension (Athletic Bilbao) and Lisandro Martinez’s season-ending knee injury (Man Utd).

Where can I watch Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao live?

UK viewers can tune to TNT Sports 1 or stream via Discovery+. US viewers have access through Paramount+. International viewers can check UEFA.tv for regional coverage. The second leg kicked off at 21:00 CEST on 08.05.2025.

Who scored in the Man Utd vs Athletic Club first leg?

Bruno Fernandes scored twice and Casemiro added one goal. The first leg ended 3-0 to Manchester United at San Mamés on 01 May 2025.

What is the predicted score for the lineups matchup?

Given the 3-0 aggregate lead and Athletic Bilbao’s attacking absences, Man Utd are strong favourites. The article does not predict a specific scoreline but notes that Athletic Bilbao would need to score at least three goals without key players to overturn the deficit.

Are there any key changes in the Manchester United lineup?

Yes. Lisandro Martinez (knee), Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring), and Diogo Dalot (calf) are all out for the season. The predicted lineup for the second leg includes Onana in goal, a three-man defence of Lindelof, Yoro, and Maguire, with Fernandes operating behind Hojlund in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

What stats define these lineups’ performance?

Bruno Fernandes has contributed to a goal in four of Man Utd’s six Europa League home games this season. Man Utd’s recent form reads W-D-W-D-W-W. Athletic Bilbao’s form reads W-L-W-D-W-L, with key absences including Nico Williams (groin) and Dani Vivian (suspension).

When is the next Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd fixture?

The second leg took place on 08 May 2025 at 21:00 CEST at Old Trafford. The winner advances to the Europa League final on 21 May 2025 at San Mamés.

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