Athletic Club vs Manchester United Europa League preview: where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Athletic Club host Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

Nico Williams scored his fifth goal of the Europa League campaign as Athletic Club overcame stubborn Rangers resistance to reach the semi-finals, but the EURO-winning winger was quick to look ahead. "I hope we can reach that final," the 22-year-old said. "The team is doing everything necessary to get to that potential final." With the decider being staged at San Mamés Stadium, Athletic Club fans will certainly share those final dreams – and will also have fond memories of previous encounters with semi-final opponents Manchester United, Athletic having seen off the Red Devils in the Europa League round of 16 in 2012.

United emerged on the winning side of the first nine-goal game in Europa League history to make the semis after Harry Maguire's header completed a stunning extra-time turnaround against Lyon. "The sounds of the stadium were the best ever," said manager Ruben Amorim. "Some people collect shirts or scarves, but I want to keep that sound." Amorim will hope that never-say-die attitude persists as his team seek to redeem a disappointing domestic campaign with European silverware. "We have time to make something special of this season," the Portuguese coach insisted.

Possible line-ups

Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray Álvarez, Berchiche; Jauregizar, De Galarreta; Iñaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Sannadi

Man Utd: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Højlund, Fernandes

Form guide

Athletic Club

Form: WLWWDD
Latest: Athletic Club 1-0 Las Palmas, La Liga, 23/04

Man Utd

Form: DLWLDD
Latest: Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester United, Premier League, 27/04

Form includes all competitive games in the 2024/25 season; the most recent result is listed first. For statistical purposes, penalty shoot-outs do not count towards results.

Reporter's view

Andrea De Ferrater, match reporter: 'The Cathedral' is set for a historic night as United visit San Mamés, with the Lions of Athletic Club just two games away from their dream of a home Europa League final. They will look to draw strength from the home supporters, and may need extra help from the stands as they aim to cover for the absence of the injured Oihan Sancet in midfield. United have doubts over Diego Dalot as they battle to keep the tie alive ahead of the Old Trafford return leg.

Views from the camps

Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club coach: "Manchester United are in an unexpected position in the Premier League. But we need to bear in mind that we are up against one of the biggest teams in Europe. They can win the Europa League in a heartbeat. Manchester United are a Champions League club, and right now winning the Europa League is the only chance they have to qualify for where they belong."

Nico Williams, Athletic Club forward: "We're going to give it our all to reach the Europa League final on home soil. Being where we are now, playing only with players from our homeland, fills us with pride."

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd coach: "The players are prepared. Every player is an international. The context of this season has been complicated in every aspect, but I don't see it as an issue. They are excited and are capable of winning. It could change our dynamic for now and for next year."

Manuel Ugarte, Man Utd midfielder: "The history of United is written with titles. That is why we are focused very much on tomorrow to be able to play in the Champions League next season. All together, we are going to try and win. Winning a trophy can be huge."