| Manchester United wins | Draw | Athletic Bilbao wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2.096 | 3.6 | 3.34 |
| Manchester United | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|
All Competitions | All Competitions |
LAST GAME: | LAST GAME: |
Event Details
- Date and Time: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 3 PM EDT
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- Competition: UEFA Europa League
| Odds via 20Bet | |
| Manchester United vs Athletic Club | Thursday, May 8, 2025, 3 PM EDT |
| Manchester United odds | +110 |
| Athletic Club odds | +260 |
| Draw | +250 |
| Over 2 | -222 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 100 $/€ |
Manchester United vs Athletic Club Preview and Team News
Manchester United Team News
Few teams have had such differing fortunes this season as Manchester United. The Red Devils have made it to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League, with a foot in the final, but are struggling big time in the Premier League, where they are ranked 15th.
In this game, they will be focused solely on completing what they started in the first leg, where they beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away from home. Even a draw will suffice for United in this game, and allow new head coach Ruben Amorim to settle into the club even further.
We know what we have to do.#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/WKIE8LSHYy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 6, 2025
However, the 3-4 loss they suffered at the hands of Brentford on Sunday in the Premier League revealed plenty of shortcomings, and if Bilbao were closely watching, they could make the most of it on Thursday.
Amorim did not play many of his regular starters against Brentford, which might have been with an eye on this crucial fixture. Although Man United have a whopping three-goal advantage, things can suddenly go south for them if they do not pay close attention to Bilbao’s wandering attackers in this game.
Amorim’s three-man defensive unit will have a lot on their plates, and worries will compound even further after Matthijs de Ligt was seen limping off against Brentford – he will not be available till later this month. United do not have any other major long-term absentees apart from Joshua Zirkzee, Lisandro Martínez, and Diogo Dalot.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Lindelöf; Dorgu, Ugarte, Casemiro, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Garnacho; Højlund.
Athletic Club Team News
With Daniel Vivian suspended for this game, Athletic Club Bilbao have a big worry on their hands. However, they will feel comfortable owing to the fact that, save Vivian, only Oihan Sancet has been ruled out with an injury.
Although Sancet’s injury is a big blow given that he is their leading goalscorer in La Liga, Ernesto Valverde’s men will learn to adapt without him and allow the youngsters in the squad a chance.
💭 We want to keep our dream alive… in the Theatre of Dreams! 😍
🧘♂️ 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧? #MUFCAthletic #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/pcOKIAmhi8
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) May 6, 2025
Valverde usually prefers the conventional 4-2-3-1 formation in which the central midfielders put a lot of emphasis on the break-up of play. This allows their attackers to position themselves better and await weighted passes that can then be converted into goal-scoring opportunities.
Bilbao’s record in front of goal has been shameful to say the least – in their last five encounters, they have scored just three goals, two of which came in the Europa League quarterfinal against Rangers.
This means that Bilbao have essentially scored just one goal in their last four matches, which will worry Valverde a lot. As Sancet has been ruled out, the Williams brothers – Nico and Inaki – will have to step up and fill in the void.
Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Simón; Lekue, Núñez, Marcos, Gorosabel; Galarreta, Prados; Berenguer, Gómez, N. Williams; I. Williams.
Manchester United vs Athletic Club Prediction
- Pick: Manchester United to win or draw
- Odds: -357 (20Bet)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Athletic Club
Manchester United, with their eyes set on the final of the Europa League, have an upper hand in this home fixture over Athletic Bilbao.
We expect them to either win or draw this game and qualify for the Europa League final. United will rely heavily upon their stalwart Bruno Fernandes in this game, as he will be the one through whom most of their attacking chances will be created.
Fernandes was rested against Brentford, which means that he will be fully fit and recovered for this match. The same applies to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who too was given the weekend off by manager Amorim.
Manchester United vs Athletic Club Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Total over 2 goals
- Odds: -222 (20Bet)
Manchester United have scored 12 goals in their last five matches, while Bilbao have found the back of the net on just three occasions in their last five.
We expect to see a total of over two goals in this game, with most of them coming from the home team’s attacking stables. The Red Devils have seemed oddly confident in front of goal in the Europa League.
Garna passed 20 G/A for the season on Sunday 🌟#MUFC pic.twitter.com/JhpubxbPlr
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 6, 2025
Bilbao have been hit with Sancet’s injury at the worst time possible – had he been fit and available, this would have been a completely different story altogether.
Nonetheless, Bilbao need to believe that they can beat the United defence in this game and take inspiration from the way Brentford scored four on Sunday. With de Ligt ruled out with an injury, United do look shaken, at least in their defence.
Manchester United vs Athletic Club Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- Paramount+ (USA)
- DAZN (Canada)
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all soccer predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.
