MANCHESTER UNITED take on Athletic Bilbao in the final pre-season game of the summer in Dublin TODAY!
The Red Devils beat Lens on Saturday and they’ll be looking to round off their Premier League preparations in style against their La Liga opponents.
- Start time: 4pm BST
- TV/Live stream: MUTV
- Man Utd XI: Heaton, Lindelof, Maguire, Eriksen, Sancho, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, Van De Beek, Fernandez, Gore, Forson
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Kick-off – Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
46. Here we go again! Athletic Bilbao begin the second half while Manchester United have made one change.
Hannibal Mejbri was warming up out on the pitch during the break, and he’s on to replace Donny van de Beek.
First half facts and figures
Manchester United have just about edged the numbers at the Aviva Stadium, but it is the visitors Athletic Bilbao that lead by the game’s only goal.
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Half-time – Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United’s second string trail in Dublin at the break after conceding a goal off the back of a Harry Maguire mistake.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
45. Fittingly, the first half ends with United on the back foot as they defend a corner.
Defend it they do though, and that will be the signal for referee Neil Doyle to call time on the opening 45.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
43. A peach of a cross from Eriksen on the right almost falls at the feet of Van de Beek at the near post.
Instead, Ruiz de Galarreta smuggles it behind for a corner, a frustrating moment that becomes even more infuriating when the referee points for a goalkick.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
41. Fernandez gets forward down the left, perhaps for the first time this afternoon.
It’s an encouraging run but one without purpose due to a lack of support for the full-back.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
39. Ruiz De Galarreta avoided a yellow card for clattering Pellistri moments ago, but he’s not going to get away with this.
On his 30th birthday, the Bilbao midfielder is booked for clattering Fernandez.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
37. Oh my! The heavens have opened and the rain is absolutely lashing down.
Many of the fans have rushed for cover, but the players have another eight minutes or so before they can take refuge in the dressing rooms for half time.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
35. Forson has been one of United’s brightest performers in the first half, and the youngster looks to have made something happen with a run off the shoulder of the last defender.
However, once again the offside flag stops the Red Devils in their tracks.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
34. A couple of Maguire’s touches following that opening goal were met with boos from inside the Aviva Stadium.
That’s not really fair from so-called United fans.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
32. This United team are looking a little troubled out there now.
They need the senior players involved to step up.
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
30. Oh, Harry Maguire!
The former Manchester United captain is caught out, trying to play out from the back and Athletic Bilbao take full advantage.
Maguire’s pass is cut out by Lekue, who feeds Sancet. The midfielder then plays a pinpoint pass through the middle for Nico Williams, who finished superbly off the inside of the post.
On the touchline, Erik ten Hag does not look best pleased.
Athletic Bilbao take the lead!
Nico Williams has opened the scoring at the Aviva Stadium.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
26. Replays show that the officials eventually reached the right decision with the challenge indeed taking place outside the area.
The danger isn’t over, of course, but then the free-kick is struck and it’s comfortable kept out by Heaton.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
25. Penalty to Athletic Bilbao? Yes!
Or is it?!
Inaki Williams tricks his way around Fernandez before being brought down with an outstretched leg.
The referee points to the spot, only to then change his mind and award a free-kick inches outside the box.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
23. Midway through the first half, and there hasn’t been too much for those inside the Aviva to be excited by.
Manchester United’s early intent has been snuffed out by Bilbao, who now look the more threatening of the two teams.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
21. An acrobatic tumble from Pellistri inside the box has the 21-year-old looking up hopefully from the turf, but the referee isn’t interested in awarding a penalty.
Even the MUTV commentators think he made a meal of it.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
19. Wonderful inventiveness from Sancho.
The forward – a false nine, no less – comes in off the right and then flicks a through ball with the outside of his foot in behind for Van de Beek.
Unfortunately for United, the Dutchman had set off too early, and is rightly flagged for offside.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
16. Bilbao target United on that far flank again.
Fernandez and Lindelof close the door momentarily, leading to Ruiz de Galarreta blasting high over the bar from long range.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
14. Bilbao have begun to take charge, and are finding plenty of joy down the right flank.
A three-man passing moves exploits United at the back, and ends with Muniain’s shot being saved by Heaton.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
12. De Marcos has sight of Heaton’s goal despite being 30 yards out.
The defender lines up a thumper from long-range, and is as surprised as anyone when Forson throws himself in front of it to block.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
10. Another cross from the right is cut out by Maguire, but this time the centre-back is a lot less convincing.
His flick upwards is only as far as Inaki Williams, who responds with a firm header straight at Heaton.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
8. Forson finds himself in possession behind the Bilbao back-line although doesn’t fully realise the opportunity that awaits.
Rather than turning fully and going for goal, the young midfielder flicks a pass out to Sancho, who is only able to win a corner.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
7. A first sign of Bilbao as an attacking force.
Nico Williams toys with Fernandez on the right wing, and the drives a cross into the box that is thumped away by Maguire.
No nonsense from the England defender.
Man Utd 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
5. United have seen plenty of the ball in the early exchanges, playing almost the entire game in Bilbao’s defensive third.
Pellistri, in particular, is looking lively.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
