QUIZ: How much do you remember from the classic 2012 UEFA Europa League matches between Manchester United and Athletic Club?
Updated 30/04/2025 at 10:48 GMT+1
Manchester United have a massive chance to salvage their disappointing season with UEFA Europa League glory. Ruben Amorim's men face Athletic Club in the semi-finals with the first leg taking place in Spain on Thursday. Both sides last met in the competition during the 2011/12 campaign, and we thought it would be a great time to look back at those matches to see how much you remember.
Flashback as Athletic's Llorente and Muniain stun Man Utd
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester United have the chance to finish their season on a high as they seek to book their place in the UEFA Europa League final.
The Red Devils face the tough task of trying to overcome La Liga side Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the competition.
You can watch all the action from both legs live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
With both teams facing each other once again, we decided to take a trip down memory lane to the 2011/12 season where they locked horns in the same competition.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side were dumped out at the last-16 stage after Athletic produced two stunning displays over two legs.
How much do you remember from those European ties? It is time to test your knowledge here. Good luck!
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Maguire scores unforgettable winner for Man Utd - 'One of the most astonishing nights!'
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Champions League failure
Man Utd didn't start their European campaign in the Europa League that season.
Despite being one of the favourites for the trophy after reaching the final the previous term, the Red Devils were dumped out of the Champions League after finishing third in the group stage.
Who were the other teams in United's group that season?
Main man in the dugout
It was a different scenario for Athletic Club, who were bouncing into the knockout stages of the Europa League after finishing top of their group.
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The La Liga outfit had seen off competition from Red Bull Salzburg, Paris Saint-Germain and Slovan Bratislava to pick up 13 points from six matches.
Who was their manager at the time?
Fergie's leader
We did not know it at the time, but this would turn out to be Sir Alex Ferguson's penultimate campaign in Europe, as the iconic manager would announce his retirement at the end of the 2012/13 season.
Sir Alex had a number of senior pros in his squad who had all demonstrated their abilities to lead the team to several titles.
Who was Man Utd's captain for both legs against Athletic Club?
Remember him?
Athletic's squad also consisted of players who had experience at the top level.
In fact, one key member of their team who played against United in both legs is currently managing a Premier League team.
But who is it?
Full time at Old Trafford!
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Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera during the first-leg tie at Old Trafford.
Image credit: Getty Images
A fascinating match comes to an end in Manchester as both teams look forward to the second leg in Spain.
But, what was the result at Old Trafford?
European debut
The second leg turned out to be a memorable evening for one Man Utd player in particular.
Just after the hour mark, Sir Alex decided to make changes and replaced Michael Carrick with someone who was about to make his first European appearance for the club.
Who was it?
Full time at San Mames!
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Athletic Club players celebrate after dumping out Manchester United.
Image credit: Getty Images
Man Utd's journey is brought to a crushing end!
It is Athletic Club who progress into the quarter-finals of the competition.
What was the result of the second leg?
Goal machines
It took a mammoth effort from Athletic Club to dump the 2011 Champions League finalists out of Europe's second-tier competition.
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It was a great performance, but two players in particular made the headlines for scoring in both legs.
Who were they?
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Flashback as Athletic complete win over Man Utd at San Mames
Video credit: TNT Sports
Red-hot Rooney
Although the Red Devils bid farewell to European football for the remainder of the season, Wayne Rooney was one player who could leave with his head held high.
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Wayne Rooney celebrates goal against Athletic Club at Old Trafford.
Image credit: Getty Images
United's No. 10 enjoyed an outstanding campaign where he finished with 34 goals in all competitions.
However, how many goals did Rooney score over both legs?
Heartbreak in the final
Securing victory over Sir Alex's Man Utd team gave Athletic momentum, and they managed to reach the 2012 Europa League final.
Unfortunately for them, they were unable to get their hands on the trophy following a 3-0 defeat in Bucharest.
Which team was victorious on the night?
How did you get on?
Count up your score (out of 10) and hit the appropriate emoji!
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❤ 10/10
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😲 4-6
😆 2-3
😡 0-1
How to watch Athletic Club v Man Utd
Athletic Club take on Manchester United on Thursday, May 1 at San Mames, with the game kicking off at 20:00 UK time.
You can watch the game on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 19:00 UK time.
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