“Man United and Athletic Bilbao full squads for Europa League second leg with 11 unavailable”

“Man United and Athletic Bilbao full squads for Europa League second leg with 11 unavailable”

 

 

Man United and Athletic Bilbao Full Squads for Europa League Second Leg With 11 Unavailable

 

The UEFA Europa League has reached a pivotal point for both Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao as they prepare to battle in the second leg of their quarter-final clash. With a narrow 2-1 advantage to Manchester United from the first leg at Old Trafford, the tie remains finely balanced heading into the decisive showdown at San Mamés.

 

Both clubs have reasons to be optimistic—but also plenty to be concerned about. With injuries and suspensions affecting the depth and quality of each squad, a total of 11 players have been ruled out or are major doubts for the second leg. This shortage of personnel will test the tactical flexibility and resilience of both managers as they attempt to guide their teams into the semi-finals of one of Europe’s most prestigious competitions.

 

Below is a breakdown of the confirmed and expected squad lists for each side, alongside details of the unavailable players, tactical implications, and what to watch for on this critical night of European football.

 

 

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Manchester United Squad

 

Manager: Erik ten Hag

First-leg result: Man United 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

 

Despite the advantage, Ten Hag’s preparations have been hampered by a wave of injuries and fitness concerns. Several first-team regulars are unavailable, forcing the Dutchman to dig deep into his squad and possibly even rely on youth players for bench strength.

 

Unavailable (6 players):

 

1. Raphaël Varane – Out with a muscle injury; expected to return in late April.

 

 

2. Lisandro Martínez – Sustained a setback with his knee; ruled out for several weeks.

 

 

3. Luke Shaw – Long-term hamstring/groin issues; still sidelined.

 

 

4. Anthony Martial – Remains unavailable due to recurring hip problems.

 

 

5. Christian Eriksen – Minor knock in training; not risked.

 

 

6. Mason Mount – Personal reasons, unavailable for selection.

 

 

 

Man United Confirmed Squad (predicted):

 

Goalkeepers:

 

André Onana

 

Altay Bayındır

 

Tom Heaton

 

 

Defenders:

 

Harry Maguire

 

Victor Lindelöf

 

Diogo Dalot

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

 

Jonny Evans

 

Willy Kambwala

 

 

Midfielders:

 

Casemiro

 

Bruno Fernandes

 

Kobbie Mainoo

 

Scott McTominay (fitness test pending)

 

Sofyan Amrabat

 

Dan Gore

 

 

Forwards:

 

Rasmus Højlund

 

Alejandro Garnacho

 

Antony

 

Marcus Rashford

 

Omari Forson

 

Facundo Pellistri

 

 

Ten Hag is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mainoo and Casemiro anchoring the midfield, Fernandes in a central attacking role, and Højlund supported by Rashford and Garnacho in the wide areas. Wan-Bissaka may be forced to start at left-back again in Shaw’s absence, with Maguire and Lindelöf the likely pairing in central defense.

 

 

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Athletic Bilbao Squad

 

Manager: Ernesto Valverde

First-leg result: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Man United

 

The Basque side is known for their pressing intensity, structured midfield, and the electric pace of the Williams brothers. However, they, too, are dealing with a few notable absentees, which could affect their tactical fluidity in the second leg.

 

Unavailable (5 players):

 

1. Yuri Berchiche – Injured ankle, not expected to recover in time.

 

 

2. Dani Vivian – Suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards.

 

 

3. Oihan Sancet – Muscle fatigue; ruled out as a precaution.

 

 

4. Gorka Guruzeta – Knee knock; failed late fitness test.

 

 

5. Iñigo Lekue – Groin issue; remains sidelined.

 

 

 

Athletic Bilbao Confirmed Squad (predicted):

 

Goalkeepers:

 

Unai Simón

 

Julen Agirrezabala

 

Iru

 

 

Defenders:

 

Óscar de Marcos

 

Aitor Paredes

 

Yeray Álvarez

 

Dani García (can play in defense)

 

Jon Morcillo

 

Mikel Balenziaga

 

 

Midfielders:

 

Mikel Vesga

 

Ander Herrera

 

Unai Vencedor

 

Beñat Prados

 

Iker Muniain

 

Álex Berenguer

 

 

Forwards:

 

Nico Williams

 

Iñaki Williams

 

Asier Villalibre

 

Raúl García

 

 

Valverde is expected to stick with his favored 4-3-3 system, using Nico and Iñaki Williams on either flank, with Villalibre or Berenguer playing centrally in attack. Ander Herrera and Vesga will likely be tasked with controlling midfield, while the back four will need to remain compact against United’s counter-attacking threats.

 

 

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Tactical Implications

 

Manchester United:

 

With so many defenders out, Ten Hag’s side must remain compact and disciplined. The full-backs, particularly Dalot and Wan-Bissaka, will play key roles in tracking the Williams brothers. Expect United to sit deeper and hit Bilbao on the break using the speed of Garnacho and Rashford.

 

The midfield battle will be crucial. Mainoo and Casemiro need to control the tempo and shield a makeshift backline, while Fernandes will have to exploit any space between Bilbao’s midfield and defensive lines.

 

Athletic Bilbao:

 

Valverde’s men will look to dominate possession and use the energy of the San Mamés crowd to their advantage. The absence of Sancet and Vivian will test their squad depth, but Herrera’s experience and the raw pace of their front three still pose a major threat.

 

If Bilbao score early, the tie will open up considerably, and United may be forced to abandon a cautious approach. Expect a physical, fast-paced contest with a heavy emphasis on wing play.

 

 

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What’s at Stake?

 

The winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the Europa League semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to silverware and, for United, a potential route back into the Champions League should they fail to finish top four in the Premier League.

 

For Bilbao, this would mark their deepest run in Europe in recent history and solidify their resurgence under Valverde. For United, success in Europe may also have a significant bearing on Erik ten Hag’s job security, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS sporting structure reviewing every aspect of the club’s performance.

 

 

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Conclusion

 

With 11 players missing across both teams, the Europa League second leg between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao is set to be a test of squad depth, tactical adaptability, and mental strength. Both sides have the quality to progress, but only one can overcome the odds and earn a place in the final four.

 

As the San Mamés roars to life, all eyes will

be on how each manager responds to the selection crisis—and which players rise to the occasion on a crucial European night.

 

 

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