Manchester United to Face Athletic Club in UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi-Finals
In a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League semi-final clash, Manchester United will take on Athletic Club for a place in the final of the 2024/25 competition. The two-legged tie promises to be a thrilling encounter, pitting the English giants against the Basque powerhouse with a rich European history. The first leg will be played on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Athletic Club’s iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, with kick-off at 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM EDT). The decisive second leg will follow on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, also at 8:00 PM BST. The winner will advance to the Europa League final, set to be hosted at San Mamés on May 21, 2025, adding extra motivation for Athletic Club to reach the showpiece event on home soil.
Path to the Semi-Finals
Manchester United’s Dramatic Journey
Manchester United’s route to the semi-finals has been nothing short of exhilarating, culminating in a heart-stopping quarter-final victory over French side Lyon. The first leg in Lyon ended in a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for a tense return leg at Old Trafford. In a match that will be remembered as one of the competition’s classics, United secured a 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate) after extra time. Trailing 4-2 as the game entered the final stages of extra time, United mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals in six minutes through Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire. The dramatic turnaround showcased United’s resilience under manager Ruben Amorim and their ability to perform under pressure.
United’s Europa League campaign has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the Red Devils see the Europa League as their best chance to secure Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 season. Additionally, winning the competition could net United approximately £85.8 million in combined matchday, broadcasting, and prize money, providing a significant financial boost.
Athletic Club’s Resilient Run
Athletic Club, meanwhile, earned their semi-final berth with a disciplined performance against Scottish side Rangers in the quarter-finals. After a goalless first leg at Ibrox, the Basque side secured a 2-0 victory in the return leg at San Mamés, with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams sealing a 2-0 aggregate triumph. The result highlighted Athletic’s defensive solidity and their ability to capitalize on home advantage, a factor that will loom large in the semi-final first leg.
Under coach Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club have been a formidable force in the Europa League, driven by the prospect of playing the final in their home stadium. Despite inconsistent form in La Liga—where they have won only two of their last seven matches—Athletic’s European campaign has been marked by tactical discipline and standout performances from players like Nico Williams, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The upcoming semi-final marks the third time Manchester United and Athletic Club have faced off in European competition, with each side holding bragging rights from past encounters. In the 1956/57 European Cup quarter-finals, Athletic Club (then known as Athletic Bilbao) won the first leg 5-3 at home but were defeated 3-0 at Old Trafford, allowing United to progress. More recently, in the 2011/12 Europa League round of 16, Athletic Club stunned United with a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, followed by a 2-1 win in Bilbao, knocking out Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Those matches, particularly the 2011/12 tie, showcased Athletic’s ability to compete with and defeat elite opposition, a memory that will fuel their confidence heading into this semi-final.
For Manchester United, the 2011/12 defeat remains a sore point, and the current squad will be eager to exact revenge. Under Amorim, United have been unbeaten in 12 Europa League matches this season, with key players like Leny Yoro, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Højlund stepping up in crucial moments. The clash of styles—United’s attacking flair against Athletic’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat—promises a fascinating tactical battle.
Stakes and Motivation
The stakes could not be higher for both teams. For Manchester United, the Europa League represents a lifeline in a season marred by domestic struggles. A trophy would not only restore pride but also guarantee a return to the Champions League, a competition United have been absent from in recent years. The financial windfall from a Europa League triumph would also provide Amorim with resources to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.
Athletic Club, on the other hand, are chasing history. The Basque club have never won a major European trophy, and the opportunity to do so in front of their home fans at San Mamés is a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. Players like Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet will be motivated to etch their names into the club’s storied history, while Valverde’s tactical acumen will be key to navigating the challenge posed by United.
Fan and Media Buzz
The semi-final matchup has generated significant excitement among fans and media alike. Posts on X have highlighted the drama of United’s quarter-final comeback against Lyon and confirmed Athletic Club as their next opponents, with many anticipating a fiercely contested tie. Fans of both clubs have taken to social media to express their optimism, with United supporters pointing to their team’s attacking depth and Athletic fans emphasizing their side’s home advantage and historical edge over the Red Devils.
Media outlets, including The Guardian, have predicted a tight contest. The Guardian correctly foresaw United’s progression past Lyon, citing the advantage of playing at Old Trafford, which could again prove decisive in the second leg. However, Athletic Club’s formidable record at San Mamés—where they have lost only once in their last 10 home Europa League matches—makes them a dangerous opponent in the first leg.
Tactical Preview and Key Players
Manchester United’s success will likely hinge on their ability to dominate possession and break down Athletic’s compact defensive structure. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s captain and creative linchpin, will be tasked with unlocking the Basque side’s backline, while Rasmus Højlund’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts could exploit any defensive lapses. Defensively, Leny Yoro’s emergence as a composed ball-playing center-back has bolstered United’s backline, though they will need to be wary of Athletic’s rapid counter-attacks.
For Athletic Club, Nico Williams is the danger man. The 22-year-old winger’s pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat, particularly on the break. Oihan Sancet’s creativity in midfield and Iñaki Williams’ relentless work rate will also be crucial, while goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala’s shot-stopping ability could prove decisive in keeping United at bay.
Ticket Information and Fan Experience
For fans looking to attend the semi-final, tickets are in high demand. Platforms like SeatPick have listed tickets for the first leg at San Mamés, with prices starting at $775 and averaging $1,579, reflecting the match’s significance. Tickets for the second leg at Old Trafford are also available, though prices are expected to be similarly steep due to United’s global fanbase and the high stakes of the tie.
Supporters attending the matches can expect an electric atmosphere. San Mamés, known for its passionate crowd, will be a cauldron of noise for the first leg, while Old Trafford’s Theatre of Dreams will provide a fitting stage for the return fixture. Both sets of fans will play a crucial role in pushing their teams toward the final.
Prediction
The semi-final tie is too close to call with certainty. Manchester United’s attacking firepower and unbeaten Europa League record give them a slight edge, particularly at home in the second leg. However, Athletic Club’s defensive organization, home advantage in the first leg, and historical success against United make them a formidable opponent. The outcome may hinge on fine margins—set pieces, individual moments of brilliance, or tactical adjustments.
If United can secure a positive result in Bilbao, their chances of progressing at Old Trafford will increase significantly. Conversely, Athletic will aim to build a lead at San Mamés and frustrate United on the road. A narrow aggregate victory for Manchester United—perhaps 3-2 over two legs—seems plausible, but Athletic Club’s resilience and home support could easily tip the scales in their favor.
Conclusion
The Manchester United vs. Athletic Club semi-final is shaping up to be a classic European encounter, blending history, drama, and high stakes. For United, it’s a chance to salvage their season and return to Europe’s elite. For Athletic, it’s an opportunity to make history on home soil. With the final at San Mamés tantalizingly close, both teams will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of Europa League glory. Fans around the world will be glued to their screens as this blockbuster tie unfolds over two legs in May 2025.
