Manchester United head into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao with a commanding 3-0 advantage, knowing only a complete collapse can deny them a place in the final. After a turbulent Premier League season, the Europa League represents the club’s last shot at redemption—and a route back to the Champions League.
Manager Rúben Amorim’s side produced one of their best performances of the season in the first leg, stunning the Basque outfit in Spain with goals from Bruno Fernandes and company, while also benefiting from a red card shown to Dani Vivian. It was a rare moment of calm in what has otherwise been a stormy season.
United’s campaign in the Premier League has gone from bad to worse. Their 16th defeat of the season at the hands of Brentford last weekend marked a historic low point—their most league losses in 35 years. Currently sitting in 15th place, United are on course for their worst finish since their 1974 relegation.
That domestic crisis forced Amorim to rotate heavily at Brentford, fielding the third-youngest starting XI in Premier League history. The decision underlined just how much importance the Portuguese tactician is placing on Thursday night’s clash in Bilbao.
“This is the most important game,” Amorim said after the Brentford loss. “We are losing games in the Premier League, we are fighting for the Europa League, so we need to accept that. The end of this season is very important.”
With the final also set to take place in Bilbao, United are tantalisingly close to a European silver lining that would dramatically change the mood at Old Trafford. Winning the Europa League guarantees a Champions League place next season—a financial and footballing lifeline for a team in crisis.
United’s progression would likely set up an all-English final against Tottenham Hotspur, who hold a 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt in the other semi-final. Such a fixture would mark the sixth time two English clubs have contested a European final since 2008.
Amorim, a coach who prefers possession-based football and sharp pressing, knows the limitations of his squad but remains focused on delivering success now rather than later.
“We need to win this competition and give something to our fans,” he told Sky Sports. “Then we will have time to prepare the team to handle both the Premier League and Champions League next season.”
Amorim’s arrival midway through the season after the sacking of Erik ten Hag was meant to stabilize the ship. Instead, results have worsened. Only Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton—three already relegated clubs—have fewer Premier League wins than United since his appointment in November.
Yet in Europe, United have found a different rhythm. Key to their resurgence has been Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder delivered a captain’s performance in the first leg, scoring twice and orchestrating United’s dominance. His 31 goal involvements in 32 Europa League knockout appearances (19 goals, 12 assists) is unmatched since the competition was rebranded in 2009.
Despite the noise surrounding their league failures, Fernandes has continued to lead by example, and his experience and consistency may prove the difference in Bilbao.
Tottenham, should they reach the final, would present another wounded opponent. Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured their own Premier League meltdown with 19 defeats in 35 games. However, the Australian tactician has promised silverware in his second season at every club he’s managed, and winning the Europa League would not only break Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought but also bring Champions League football back to north London.
A final between two Premier League heavyweights, both desperate to salvage pride from a forgettable season, would be rich in drama. And if either go on to lift the trophy, the Premier League would boast six teams in next season’s Champions League.
For Manchester United, it’s now or never. Their season, their identity, and perhaps even the future direction of the club hinges on 90 minutes in Bilbao. After months of disappointment and despair, a single night of triumph could change everything.
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