Manchester United face shocking threat as San Mamés prepares for chaos | OneFootball

Manchester United head to San Mamés Stadium on Thursday to visit Athletic Bilbao for the semifinal first leg of the Europa League. The match pits two traditional clubs in vastly different positions, but they have something in common: both want to be as efficient as they can, as quickly as they can. Athletic see the tournament as a way to close out their campaign with an international trophy. Manchester United sees it as their only hope not to conclude a frustrating season.

The strength of San Mamés

Athletic Bilbao have built a solid campaign in the tournament, especially on home soil. They have won all six home games, scored 14 goals, and lost just two. The ground is now one of the toughest venues for opponents to visit away from home this tournament year. The motivation of the team grows even more when they realize that the final is to be contested in this very same ground. The team wish to arrive, and they wish to be out there when it does.

In addition to their good team condition, the team is supported by key players. Nico Williams and Unai Gómez have recovered from injury and are expected to start. They are cover for the attack and boost fans' confidence.

Manchester United try to pick up the pieces

Manchester United qualify for the semifinal unbeaten in the Europa League. They have registered seven wins and five draws so far. Their Premier League campaign is, however, a cause for concern. The team has 39 points from 34 games and stands 14th on the table and has not won in the past five consecutive matches in the domestic league. The 1–1 draw with Bournemouth last Sunday added to the pressure.

With Rúben Amorim at the helm, the team is well conscious the continental competition is the only viable path to a European competition next year. The win against Lyon in the quarterfinals, two goals in stoppage time, and the 5-4 victory in extra time was a reprieve for the moment, but the next one is even greater.

Disfavorable history

The head-to-head between the two clubs in the European competitions does not favor Manchester United. The English team won once in the four previous games, which was in 1957. The other three games were won by Athletic. That only adds to the pressure for the visitors, who are very well aware that the Basque soil does not favor players who commit errors.

Despite that they have not been weak so far in the competition, Athletic's home form made Manchester United's unbeaten status questionable. This semifinal is obviously their toughest test so far in the Europa League.