“Predicted Manchester United lineup against Athletic Club: Bruno Fernandes to return in much-changed side”

“Predicted Manchester United lineup against Athletic Club: Bruno Fernandes to return in much-changed side”

 

 

 

Predicted Manchester United Lineup Against Athletic Club: Bruno Fernandes to Return in Much-Changed Side

 

As Manchester United prepare to take on Athletic Club in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie, all eyes are on Erik ten Hag’s team selection. The Red Devils head into the clash with a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg at Old Trafford, but the job is far from done. With a raucous San Mamés crowd expected to push the Basque side forward, United will need composure, control, and clinical edge to finish the job.

 

Crucially, club captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in United’s previous domestic fixture. With injuries continuing to plague the squad, Ten Hag will likely make several changes—some enforced, others strategic—as he looks to balance fatigue management with the demands of a high-stakes European knockout clash.

 

Here’s a deep dive into the expected Manchester United starting lineup, tactical considerations, and player roles ahead of the trip to Bilbao.

 

 

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Goalkeeper: André Onana

 

Despite some shaky moments earlier in the season, André Onana remains Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper for European competition. The Cameroonian has improved in recent months and was solid in the first leg against Bilbao. His distribution and command of the box will be crucial in the away leg, especially with Bilbao likely to press high and look for set-piece opportunities.

 

Prediction: Onana to start between the posts.

 

 

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Defence: Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelöf, Dalot

 

Injuries continue to limit Ten Hag’s options at the back. Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez are both ruled out, while Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined with long-term issues.

 

As a result, the centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf—which performed reasonably well in the first leg—is expected to continue. Their experience and aerial strength could be vital in defending against the Williams brothers and Bilbao’s dangerous set-piece routines.

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to start at right-back, tasked with dealing with the pace and dribbling threat of Nico Williams, while Diogo Dalot will likely shift over to left-back once again. Dalot has performed admirably in this unfamiliar role and offers more attacking thrust than a makeshift alternative.

 

Predicted back four:

 

RB: Wan-Bissaka

 

CB: Maguire

 

CB: Lindelöf

 

LB: Dalot

 

 

 

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Midfield: Casemiro, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

 

In the heart of midfield, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to continue their partnership. Casemiro’s positional awareness and leadership will be vital in breaking up Bilbao’s counterattacks and protecting a somewhat makeshift defence. Meanwhile, Mainoo has grown into his role with remarkable maturity, showing excellent composure on the ball and a growing ability to carry possession forward.

 

The big change comes in the No. 10 role. Bruno Fernandes was left out of the lineup in United’s last match due to rotation, but the Portuguese playmaker is set to return for this all-important second leg. Fernandes’ creativity, pressing intensity, and leadership could make the difference on a high-pressure European night.

 

Fernandes will be tasked with linking midfield to attack, threading passes through the lines, and making late runs into the box. His return provides United with a much-needed creative spark, particularly with the team looking to counter Bilbao’s high press.

 

Predicted midfield trio:

 

CDM: Casemiro

 

CM: Mainoo

 

CAM: Bruno Fernandes

 

 

 

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Attack: Garnacho, Højlund, Rashford

 

With Anthony Martial still unavailable and Jadon Sancho on loan, United’s forward options remain relatively thin. However, Ten Hag is expected to field a familiar attacking trident for the second leg.

 

Rasmus Højlund will lead the line. The young Danish striker has impressed in Europe, with five Europa League goals to his name so far. His movement off the ball and physicality give United a focal point in attack, and his link-up play with Fernandes could be crucial in exploiting Bilbao’s defensive gaps.

 

To his left, Alejandro Garnacho brings directness, flair, and an eye for goal. The Argentine has grown in confidence and is now one of United’s most consistent attacking threats. His ability to cut inside and shoot, as well as his work rate off the ball, will be valuable in both transitions and defending from the front.

 

On the right, Marcus Rashford is likely to return to the starting XI. Though his form has fluctuated this season, Rashford still offers explosive pace and the ability to score from distance. His role may be more fluid, drifting centrally when Garnacho stays wide, or switching flanks if needed to find space.

 

Predicted front three:

 

LW: Garnacho

 

ST: Højlund

 

RW: Rashford

 

 

 

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Bench Options and Tactical Flexibility

 

With a depleted squad, Ten Hag’s bench may include a mix of experience and youth. Scott McTominay could be used as an impact sub in midfield or even as a late forward option if United need physicality. Antony offers a left-footed option off the right wing if Rashford is ineffective or moved centrally. Facundo Pellistri and Omari Forson may also be on the bench to provide energy in the final minutes.

 

Defensively, Jonny Evans offers veteran experience, while goalkeeper Altay Bayındır will likely be the backup to Onana.

 

Should United score early, Ten Hag may shift to a more defensive 4-5-1 formation, with Garnacho and Rashford dropping deeper to help the full-backs and Fernandes tucking in to form a compact midfield unit.

 

 

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Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1)

 

GK: André Onana

RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

CB: Harry Maguire

CB: Victor Lindelöf

LB: Diogo Dalot

CDM: Casemiro

CM: Kobbie Mainoo

CAM: Bruno Fernandes (Captain)

RW: Marcus Rashford

LW: Alejandro Garnacho

ST: Rasmus Højlund

 

 

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Final Thoughts

 

Manchester United’s lineup against Athletic Club will reflect both necessity and intent. With key injuries limiting Ten Hag’s choices, the manager is expected to go with a tried-and-tested core—led by the returning Bruno Fernandes and supported by a mix of youth and experience.

 

While United hold a slim lead, the away leg will demand tactical discipline, defensive organization, and clinical finishing. Fernandes’ return to the lineup could be pivotal—not just in terms of quality, but in rallying the team through what promises to be a challenging night in Spain.

 

Should Ten Hag’s XI rise to the occasion, United will be one step closer to the Europa League semi-finals—and one step nearer to both European glor

y and financial redemption.

 

 

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