Our betting expert has three Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao tips for Thursday’s Europa League match at Old Trafford (kick-off, 8pm). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
By Luke Seychell
- Manchester United to win in 90 minutes @ 9/10 with bet365
- Bruno Fernandes to score at any time @ 7/4 with bet365
- Bet Builder – Alejandro Garnacho to have three or more shots, Manchester United to score more than one goal & Manuel Ugarte to be booked @ 19/2 with bet365
- Multiple BC UK Bookmaker Awards winner, including Best Bookmaker
- Attractive promos, including boosted odds & free games
Amorim’s boys can complete the job with win
Manchester United look to have saved their season by putting themselves in a strong position to reach the Europa League final and they can book their spot by beating Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their semi-final on Thursday.
A 3-0 success in Spain has put United in a commanding position and while their home league form has been disappointing – their two wins in their last 10 on their own patch have come against relegated Ipswich and Southampton – they have been strong at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
After a draw against Twente, they beat PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Rangers and Real Sociedad and have scored at least twice in nine of their last 10 home games in this competition.
That is bad news for Athletic, who have failed to score in their last four away matches across all competitions.
In the Europa League, the Basque club have lost 4-1 at Besiktas, 2-1 at Roma and could manage only a goalless draw at Rangers, so the signs look bright that Ruben Amorim’s side can recover from Sunday’s 4-3 loss at Brentford and claim their final spot in style
- Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip 1: Manchester United to win in 90 minutes @ 10/11 with Paddy Power
- Power Prices, Wonder Wheel & Acca Insurance among a range of top offers
- Innovative Super Sub offer means bets roll over to the player coming on
Fernandes is chief United threat
While United’s season has been one of disappointment, one player who has been a stand-out performer is Bruno Fernandes, and the Portuguese midfielder has really made his presence felt in the Europa League.
He should be champing at the bit to get going on Thursday after being rested for Sunday’s defeat at Brentford and while he has scored eight goals in the league this term, his Europa tally of seven is the joint highest in the competition.
His scoring exploits include a brace in the 3-1 win in Bilbao and he also scored a hat-trick in an earlier tie against Real Sociedad.
Fernandes has netted four penalties in his last four games in the competition and that is another plus for those looking for an anytime-goalscorer bet.
- Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip 2: Bruno Fernandes to score at any time @ 33/20 with LiveScore Bet
- Well Displayed Site
- Great Squads Game
Garnacho likely to try his luck
Three elements can be combined for what could be a profitable Bet Builder selection.
Expect Alejandro Garnacho to have at least three efforts on goal in normal time. That has happened in each of his last four Europa League home games and he has not had fewer than two in his nine starts for United in the competition this season.
The Red Devils should score more than one goal, which they have done in nine of their last 10 Europa matches, and while midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been cautioned just twice in the competition this season, he has received 10 Premier League yellow cards, so he could go into the book.
- Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip 3: Bet Builder – Alejandro Garnacho to have three or more shots, Manchester United to score more than one goal & Manuel Ugarte to be booked @ 19/2 with bet365
- Multiple BC UK Bookmaker Awards winner, including Best Bookmaker
- Attractive promos, including boosted odds & free games
