Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United: UEFA Europa League result as Bruno Fernandes brace puts Red Devils on cusp of final

The Man United manager says this competition is "really important for us", though accepts the league form – which has his team down in 14th – is what they should be judged on.

"I think it is a little bit a pride thing," Amorim told TNT Sports. 

"We should be judged by the Premier League, not European football. You feel that the players really want this, it's really important for us, not just for the title but also to secure Champions League for next year. That is really important for our club."

For the full interview, including insight into playing Harry Maguire as an emergency striker, click below.

You can watch this game on TNT Sports 1, the home of the Europa League in the UK. Kick-off is 12 minutes away.

The other semi-final, between Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt, as well as the final will also be shown live on TNT Sports.

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination.

You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

United have played 12 games, won seven and drawn five.

The Euro 2024 winner has his eyes set on another trophy and says it would be a "dream" to play in a Europa League final in Bilbao.

"We understand how important it is - for the city, for us, and for the fans," Williams told TNT Sports ahead of this semi-final first leg.

"We want to reach that final and prove that we’re capable. We’re up against a tough opponent like Manchester United, but we’ll give everything to make it happen."

Click below for the full story.

Speaking on the San Mames pitch, TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has high praise for Nico Williams.

"I watched him closely at the Euros," one famous footballing brotehr said of another. "I've watched a couple of times this year. The pace that he's got – in any era, pace is a huge asset to have and he has that in abundance – but the key thing is he knows how to use it.

"He's not one of those quick players that's quick but doesn't really think about the game or doesn't understand the game. He knows when to slow the game down, slow the defender down, get near him and then put the jets on.

"He's a wonderful player to watch. Exciting player to watch."

It was also in the Europa League, in the 2011-12 season. Under the watchful eye of Marcelo Bielsa, they won 3-2 at Old Trafford and then 2-1 at home to advance to the quarter-finals, en route to the final.

How well do you remember that tie? Take our quiz to find out.

There are two changes from the side Ruben Amorim fielded at Bournemouth on Sunday.

Manuel Ugarte takes the place of Kobbie Mainoo, one of the heroes of extra time against Lyon, while Victor Lindelof replaces Luke Shaw in central defence.

Captain Bruno Fernades and Alejandro Garnacho start behind Rasmus Hojlund, who may be playing with additional confidence after his late equalizer at Bournemouth.

Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are fit enough to be among the substitutes.

Man United: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Lendelof, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Garnacho, Fernandes, Hojlund.

Athletic last played more than a week ago, beating Las Palmas 1-0, and make just two changes to the team which started that game. Nico Williams comes in, with the man he replaces, Oihan Sancet, not making the squad due to injury.

Julen Agirrezabala starts in goal given this is a cup game, Unai Simon is a sub.

So both Williams brothers start, with Maroan Sannadi operating as the central sriker.

Athletic: Agirrezabala, De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche, Jauregizar, De Galarreta, I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams, Sannadi.

You are very welcome to live coverage of Manchester United's trip to Athletic Club in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

It's Europa League or bust for United, who are floundering in 14th in the Premier League, while this tournament has added significance for Athletic given the final will be played at their home in Bilbao. Unlike United, they're going well in La Liga and kick off in fourth place, well-placed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

It all makes for an exciting tie, even before acknowledging how crazy Man United's quarter-final against Lyon was. Kick-off at San Mames is 45 minutes away and team news coming next.