Athletic Club have only ever won one of nine visits to England, although this was a victory at Old Trafford in 2012. Man United's last six eliminations from the knockout phase of a UEFA competition have come against Spanish clubs, but surely that curse will be broken here.
Following last Thursday's first leg at San Mamés, surely Manchester United supporters can already start planning for a return to Bilbao for the Europa League Final on 21 May.
A week ago, everything that could've gone wrong for Athletic did go wrong, with the Red Devils departing the Basque Country 3-0 winners.
Casemiro's header broke the deadlock, before Dani Vivian was sent off for a last man foul on Rasmus Højlund, with Bruno Fernandes converting the subsequent spot-kick, before scoring again right on the cusp of half time.
Only one team in the history of UEFA competition has ever lost a first leg by three goals at home and still gone through, this being Olympiacos against Maccabi Tel Aviv in last season's Conference League, underlining the unlikeliness of an Athletic remontada.
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao preview
For Manchester United, they're now two games away from salvaging what has otherwise been a catastrophic campaign. Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Brentford means Rúben Amorim's team are now winless in six Premier League games, winning only four of their last 19 outings.
The Red Devils are therefore languishing in 15th, on course for their lowest finish since being relegated in 1974. Nevertheless, Europa League glory would not only deliver silverware but a Champions League spot too, so will Man United, who remain unbeaten in Europe this season, book their place in the final?
As for Athletic Club, given that they're hosting this season's final, they're so desperate to be there, but their hopes of fulfilling this dream are now surely over. Ernesto Valverde's side overcame Roma and Rangers in previous knockout rounds, but endured their worst night of the season as the worst possible time.
In La Liga, they remain fourth, following Sunday night's dull goalless draw with Real Sociedad at Anoeta in el Derbi Vasco, meaning they've scored either zero or one goals in eight of their nine league matches since the start of March. Thus, the Lions appear totally ill-equipped to pull off an historic comeback for the ages at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Manchester United Wins: 2. Draws: 0. Athletic Bilbao Wins: 3.
Manchester United team news
Mixed injury news for Rúben Amorim, who saw Matthijs de Ligt hobble off at Brentford on Sunday, joining Lisandro Martínez, Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee on the sidelines.
However, in much better news, Amad has come off the bench during the last two matches, having not featured since February due to an ankle injury beforehand, scoring at the weekend, and his return is a major boost. Amorim made eight changes in West London on Sunday, but is likely to revert to the lineup that started at San Mamés a week ago.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Athletic Bilbao: (3-4-2-1): Onana; Lindelöf, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes, Højlund.
Manchester United player to watch vs Athletic Bilbao
Bruno Fernandes took his tally to 19 goals for the season by bagging a brace in Bilbao, while he's now scored 27 times in the Europa League, a tally bettered only by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Radamel Falcao (30).
Athletic Bilbao team news
Athletic already have a mountain to climb, so the fact that none of their three best attackers Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams nor Oihan Sancet, who've scored 39 goals this season, have traveled makes this mission impossible even more challenging.
Meantime, Dani Vivian's first leg red card means he is suspended, while Julen Agirrezabala will be donning the gloves, chosen over Unai Simón, as has been the case throughout the Europa League.
Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-3-3): Agirrezabala; de Marcos, Álvarez, Paredes, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Djaló, Berenguer, Gómez; Sannadi.
Athletic Bilbao player to watch vs Manchester United
Maroan Sannadi was playing for third-tier Barakaldo during the first half of the season, before joining Athletic in January, so can he make himself a hero?
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
As alluded to throughout, we cannot see Athletic turning around this first leg defeicit, with Manchester United likely to cruise through at Old Trafford: Manchester United 2-0 Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao FAQs - Europa League
How to watch Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao on TV
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN USA & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao on live stream
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+, ViX & TUDN USA
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao?
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League takes place on Thursday 8 May 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).