Match Start: 09/05/2025 / 01:00 AM
| Our Tips | Winning Parcentage |
|---|---|
| Manchester United Win | 70% |
| Total Goal Over 2.0 | 80% |
| Winning Percentage | 60% |
The Manchester United Vs Athletic Bilbao UEFA Europa League 2024/25 season is heating up, and one of the most anticipated fixtures in the semi-final round (play-off round of 4) is the second-leg clash between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao. After a dominant 3-0 victory at San Mamés in the first leg, United return to Old Trafford with one foot firmly in the final. But Athletic Club will be desperate to fight back and make history in Europe.
In this detailed Bizliweb analysis, we cover both teams’ form, tactics, predicted lineups, key players, and what to expect in this decisive second leg.
Match Details
- Fixture: Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao
- Competition: UEFA Europa League 2024/25
- Stage: Semi-final (Play-off Round of 4) – Second Leg
- First Leg Result: Athletic Bilbao 0 – 3 Manchester United
- Date: May 9, 2025
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 BST
- Coverage: BT Sport, Sony Liv, UEFA.tv
- Presented by: Bizliweb
First Leg Recap – Red Devils Run Riot in Bilbao
The first leg in Spain saw Manchester United execute a near-perfect away performance. Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Marcus Rashford helped Erik ten Hag’s men establish a commanding lead.
First Leg Goalscorers:
- Bruno Fernandes (13’)
- Højlund (35’)
- Rashford (78’)
Key Highlights from the First Leg:
- United controlled possession (61%).
- Bilbao created chances early but failed to convert.
- Onana made crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet.
- Manchester United’s midfield overwhelmed Bilbao’s pressing setup.
With a 3-goal cushion, United are in a commanding position, but European history shows that comebacks are always possible—especially when pride and silverware are on the line.
Team Form and Overview
Manchester United – The Favorites to Advance
- Manager: Erik ten Hag
- Domestic Form: 3rd in Premier League
- Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-W-W-D-W
- Top Scorer: Rasmus Højlund
- Key Player: Bruno Fernandes – United’s midfield maestro, dictating play and delivering key goals.
Manchester United have looked solid defensively and lethal on the break. With Old Trafford behind them, they will look to control the tempo and kill the tie early.
Athletic Bilbao – Searching for a Miracle
- Manager: Ernesto Valverde
- Domestic Form: 5th in La Liga
- Last 5 Matches: L-D-W-W-L
- Top Scorer: Iñaki Williams
- Key Player: Oihan Sancet – Bilbao’s young playmaker and midfield engine.
Bilbao are known for their high energy, pressing, and attacking intent. But overturning a 3-goal deficit at Old Trafford will require a near-perfect performance and a bit of magic.
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2025 | Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United | 0 – 3 |
| Mar 2012 | Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao | 2 – 3 |
| Mar 2012 | Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United | 2 – 1 |
Bilbao famously knocked United out in 2012, but times have changed. United are now more experienced in Europe and eager to end the season with silverware.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Rashford vs De Marcos
Rashford’s pace and directness will challenge Bilbao’s aging right-back. A mismatch United will look to exploit.
2. Fernandes vs Sancet
Midfield creativity vs youthful aggression. If Sancet can shut Fernandes down, Bilbao may find a way to disrupt United’s rhythm.
3. Højlund vs Yeray Álvarez
A physical battle between the Danish striker and Bilbao’s center-back. If Højlund dominates early, United will be hard to stop.
Tactical Breakdown
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
- Defensive Shape: Varane and Martínez protect Onana with a high line.
- Build-Up: Casemiro and Mainoo dictate tempo from deep.
- Attack: Quick transitions led by Rashford, Antony, and Fernandes behind Højlund.
Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3)
- Pressing: High-intensity press led by Iñaki and Nico Williams.
- Midfield Battles: Dani García screens the backline while Vesga and Sancet push forward.
- Counter-Attack: Utilizes the pace of Nico Williams and overlaps from Berchiche.
Injury and Suspension News
Manchester United
- Out: Luke Shaw (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee)
- Doubtful: Raphael Varane (fitness test)
- Suspended: None
Athletic Bilbao
- Out: Ander Herrera (muscle), Yuri Berchiche (suspension)
- Doubtful: Nico Williams (ankle knock)
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
GK: André Onana
DEF: Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Reguilón
MID: Casemiro, Mainoo
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
WINGS: Rashford, Antony
ST: Højlund
Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3)
GK: Unai Simón
DEF: De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue
MID: Dani García, Sancet, Vesga
FWD: Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta, Nico Williams
Bizliweb Match Prediction
Given United’s form, home advantage, and first-leg dominance, it’s hard to see Bilbao pulling off a comeback. However, a spirited fightback is expected from the Basque side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 – 1 Athletic Bilbao
(Aggregate: 5 – 1)
United progress to the UEFA Europa League Final.
Fan Expectations and Atmosphere
- Old Trafford will be electric, with fans anticipating a return to a European final.
- Social media buzz: #MUFC, #UEL, #ManUtdVsBilbao are trending.
- United fans are confident, but respectful of Bilbao’s ability to surprise.
Bizliweb will offer live fan polls, match predictions, and real-time highlights across social platforms.
Where to Watch Live
- TV: BT Sport (UK), Sony Ten (India), ESPN+ (US)
- Streaming: Sony Liv, Paramount+, UEFA.tv
- Live Commentary: Follow minute-by-minute updates on Bizliweb’s Match Tracker
What’s at Stake?
- A place in the UEFA Europa League 2025 Final.
- For United: a shot at their second UEL title in five years.
- For Bilbao: a chance at their first major European final in the modern era.
The winner of this tie will face the victor of AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen in the final—another heavyweight clash.
Post-Match Coverage – Only on Bizliweb
After the final whistle, Bizliweb will bring you:
- Full match report with player ratings
- Tactical analysis and heatmaps
- Post-match interviews with Erik ten Hag and Valverde
- Fan reaction videos and memes
- Highlight videos and match stats
Stay tuned for expert coverage and in-depth insights!
Conclusion
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao may be 3-0 on paper, but football is unpredictable—and Bilbao will fight until the end. Expect intensity, emotion, and moments of brilliance in this Europa League semi-final second leg.
For real-time updates, expert predictions, and post-match reaction, trust Bizliweb—your destination for football excellence.
The winner of this tie will face the victor of AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen in the final—another heavyweight clash. The intensity and unpredictability of football will be on full display in this Europa League semi-final second leg.
