Update: Man United Europa League semi-final truth laid bare amid Athletic Bilbao advantage News

Latest Manchester United news as focus turns to the Europa League semi-final at Old Trafford after Thursday night’s dramatic win over Lyon

Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final opponents Athletic Bilbao will have an advantage over Ruben Amorim’s men when the two sides meet at the start of May.

United confirmed their spot in the last four of the competition with a dramatic turnaround win over Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire meant United came from 4-6 down to win 7-6 on aggregate.

Bilbao were in fine form themselves with a comfortable win over Rangers meaning the two sides will meet for the first time since 2012, when Marcelo Bielsa’s men knocked Sir Alex Ferguson and United out of the same competition.

Before the first-leg, United host Wolves on Sunday before travelling to AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, April 27. They will travel to the San Mames Stadium four days later with a trip to London to take on Brentford inbetween the two legs.

However, Bilbao’s fixture list is much kinder with Ernesto Valverde’s men having more time. The Red and Whites take on Real Madrid this weekend before returning to La Liga action on Wednesday, April 23 against Las Palmas – their last game before United come to town.

It means Bilbao will have eight days rest between the first leg, double what United have. The Spanish side do, however, have a Basque derby to contend with inbetween the two games, a fixture that could be pivotal in their hunt for Champions League football.

United boss Amorim has confirmed that he intends to use the young players at the club in the next three Premier League games to rest his key stars for the Europa League, even more so with the current injury list at Old Trafford.

“It’s not the best moment or the best season to put some kids to play because they need a strong base to really show what they can do, but in this moment we need to do it,” Amorim said.

“And sometimes you have surprises. Ayden just played – and I can be honest, because we had a lot of injuries at that moment – but today I think of Ayden as my player.

“So when he’s ready – and of course he’s facing competition in the team to do so – he’s ready to play, so you don’t know.

“Amass did really well [against Lyon]. Chido, when he played he played quite well. It’s a difficult moment, it’s not the right moment for the kids to play, but if we have to do it we will do it.”

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