Predicted score for MU vs Athletic Bilbao: Leaning towards the Red Devils.

Manchester United are very close to the Europa League final as they enter the second leg of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao with a 3-0 lead from the first leg at San Mames. That victory was not only surprising but also marked Bilbao's first home defeat in over eight months of unbeaten matches in all competitions. Goals from Bruno Fernandes (2 goals) and Casemiro created the crucial lead, especially considering their opponents played with ten men for much of the match.

Manchester United remain unbeaten in this season's Europa League (8 wins, 5 draws) and are on track to become only the second English team after Chelsea (2018–19) to reach the final without losing a single match. However, manager Ruben Amorim maintains the necessary caution, stating that "anything can happen in a game."

The dramatic 3-4 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League last weekend exposed some weaknesses in Manchester United, especially in defense, as they fielded the youngest team in the club's history. The team is currently 15th in the domestic league and has virtually no chance of improving their ranking. The Europa League therefore becomes the only path for the Red Devils to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

In terms of personnel, MU will be without Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Ayden Heaven due to injury, while Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer will be assessed for fitness closer to match time. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Fernandes and Garnacho. In defense, Victor Lindelof is likely to start, and Amad Diallo may be given a chance if manager Amorim wants to move Mazraoui into central defense.

Athletic Bilbao entered the match with an extremely difficult task: to overturn the deficit at Old Trafford and secure a place in the final on their home ground. However, history was not on their side, as all 133 teams that had lost the first leg by three goals at home in the Europa League had been eliminated.

Bilbao's recent form in La Liga has been unimpressive, winning only 5 of their last 14 matches. Their attack has also been poor, failing to score in 6 of their last 9 games. Dani Vivian is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg, while Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Oscar De Marcos are all doubtful to play.

Although they beat MU at Old Trafford in 2012, that scenario is unlikely to be repeated given their lack of attacking sharpness and their opponents' determination to maintain their advantage. If they cannot pull off a miracle, Athletic will have to accept being eliminated for the third time in history after losing both legs of a European knockout round.

Predicted score: MU 3-2 Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United are likely to secure a place in the final after a tough match, as Athletic played all-out and put a lot of pressure on them. But their resilience and significant advantage from the first leg were enough for the Red Devils to finish the semi-final with a favorable result.