Europa League

MANCHESTER UNITED have one last chance to give the fans something to cheer about by winning the Europa League this season.But before the Red Devils start thinking about the final, they must first overcome favourites Athletic Bilbao in the semis.Ruben Amorim’s side are eyeing the Europa League titleCredit: GettyMan Utd need to find a way to stop Nico WilliamsCredit: RexThere can be no underestimating the importance of both legs, or the size of the task Ruben Amorim’s side face.With more than seven days’ rest after a weekend off, Bilbao are dreaming of the chance to play the final in their own backyard on May 21.And manager Ernesto Valverde revealed his side are “confident” about ending United’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season.United may feel their name is on the Europa League trophy already after staging an incredible comeback win to knock out Lyon in the quarter-finals.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe stakes are so high going into the first semi-final at San Mames on Thursday night, with United having only won 17 out of 57 games against Spanish opposition since 2000.And while Amorim’s sorry lot somehow remain the only unbeaten side in Europe, the club’s dismal away record in recent years leaves little hope.A win over two legs could set up a final against Tottenham, who face Bodo Glimt in the other semi.But first, SunSport takes a look at the three key decisions that Amorim must make right against Bilbao.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIsolating Nico WilliamsIt’s fair to say that the name Nico Williams induces fear into even the bravest of Man Utd fans.The Old Trafford faithful thought they were in luck when reports claimed that the Spanish wonder was out injured with a groin issue.Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everBut the 22-year-old – who has scored five goals in the Europa League this season – has been cleared to play on Thursday.Williams’ biggest threat is his pace and ability to attack space when breaking through the lines.So Valverde typically wants his 4-2-3-1 team to look for opportunities to get Williams isolated and in 1v1 situations against his full-back.As Amorim is devoted to his 3-4-2-1, he needs to find a way to avoid leaving Williams too isolated.The rest of the Bilbao attacking unit will typically be quite narrow and high. This forces the opposition to defend narrow in turn and as such Williams can be released through a diagonal ball into a 1v1 situation.Amorim needs to get his defensive starting line-up right, otherwise Williams will be able to run riot down his side of the pitch.Bilbao play narrow and high, with the intention of forcing the opposition to defend narrow, which in turn leaves space for Williams to be released in behind.With Diogo Dalot a doubt after missing the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday, Amorim can only really count on Noussair Mazraoui to start as the right wing-back.Whoever is chosen to start up against Williams shouldn’t be left isolated in a 1v1 situation.United cannot afford to defend zonally and must have a specific plan for taking care of the threat that Williams can pose.The left winger guided Spain to glory at Euro 2024 and has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.These are the kinds of situations where United have to be careful and where Bilbao will look to exploit space. With no right winger, the wing-back for United has to be more aggressive in stepping out to engage the opposition wing-back. This can lead the the central defender on that side being pulled out and isolated.What about the other Williams brother?Nico’s breakthrough has overshadowed the fact that his older brother Inaki has long been one of the best attackers players at the Basque club.His situation is slightly different in that he chose to represent Ghana at international level as opposed to trying his luck with Spain.In previous seasons, Inaki has played as a No9, but this season he has played more as the right winger on the opposite side to his brother.While Nico plays further out on the left, Inaki positions himself closer to the No10 and striker.While Nico drags players out wide, Inaki will force Man Utd to defend narrow, before driving into the opposition box.Inaki Williams positions himself in a more narrow position as Bilbao are attacking as he has the pace to drive outside the defender on the right-hand sideAgain, this means that United must be really careful who starts as the left-sided centre-back.The most obvious answer would be to suggest that Amorim starts a left-footed defender – and ideally an experienced one too.It would be a natural fit for Luke Shaw, who was arguably England’s best player in the Euro final defeat to Spain.But Shaw didn’t quite look up to speed in his first start in more than 14 months at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.Shaw – who started on the left-hand side of the back three – sent an ill-advised pass to Patrick Dorgu, which invited pressure in the build-up to Antoine Semenyo’s opener.But Shaw did eventually grow into the game and his distribution and crisp crosses into the box offer what others in his position cannot.Luke Shaw can be too aggressive in terms of coming high to win the ball in the opposition’s halfShaw can be almost too aggressive in terms of jumping high and looking to engage to win the ball back in the opposition half. Shaw is certainly, in our opinion, the correct option to deal with the threat of Inaki Williams in this game.The issue will be the lack of cover that Shaw will have if he is pulled in and then quickly outplayed as Bilbao attack forward and into space.United need Kobbie Mainoo in midfieldKobbie Mainoo’s return from injury a few weeks ago has come at a timely point in the season for United.But Amorim should avoid putting the 20-year-old back in as one of the two No10s.Mainoo thrived last season from a deeper midfield role and became a defensive staple for England after a lot of experimenting from Gareth Southgate last summer.And he needs to start alongside another holding midfielder in front of the back line against Bilbao for United to be successful.That’s because Bilbao are a high-pressing team and are brilliant at stopping their opponents from playing out of their defensive third.Here, the opposition are looking to build the attack and you can see that Bilbao are aggressive in pressing up and committing players into higher positions to press the ball. As the pass is played diagonally into the midfield, we see Bilbao immediately trigger and win the ball back close to the opposition goal.With Casemiro likely to be one of the midfielders picked in Spain, it is essential that Amorim also selects a midfielder who is comfortable taking the ball while facing his own goal while under pressure from an opposition midfielder.This is why Mainoo must be one of the two midfielders in that role for United.The English youngster is brave on the ball and willing to take passes when the game is tight around him.Bournemouth press in a similar style to Bilbao. Mainoo must come in to receive the ball and take pressure before moving the ball on and allowing United to play through the press.Kobbie Mainoo has to start in holding midfieldCredit: RexThis will allow United to be more effective in playing through the thirds and building some attacking dominance when they are in possession.Mainoo in midfield will give United an element of control that will be crucial if they are to head back to Old Trafford with a positive result.ConclusionUnited need to win this semi-final to have any semblance of success this season. The issue they have is that Bilbao are the best team left in it.Read More on The SunTheir physical strength and the way they commit to defending aggressively makes it difficult to break them down.And the threat of the Williams brothers means that you cannot afford to play too high and leave them space to attack into.Luke Shaw could be the best option to play on the left of a back threeCredit: GettyKeeping the Williams brothers quiet will go a long way to winning the semi-finalCredit: AFP More

THEY say people from Scandinavia are among the happiest – and it seems the same can be said for footballers too.For Tottenham face the friendliest club on the continent on Thursday in the Europa League semi-finals.Bodo/Glimt have seen a number of players sold and then re-signedBodo/Glimt aren’t paying attention to Tottenham’s dismal Premier League seasonTottenham and Bodo/Glimt will face in the Europa League semi-finalsBodo/Glimt have created a strong atmosphere that convinces players the grass is not greener elsewhereBodo/Glimt’s unlikely run to the last four has been powered by a number of players sold and then re-signed to the collegiate Norwegian outfit.Forward Jens Petter Hauge, for example, discovered the grass not to be greener elsewhere compared to Bodo’s plastic pitch when he first left for AC Milan in 2020.He came back to his hometown club permanently earlier this year, following a stint at Eintracht Frankfurt, whom Spurs saw off in the quarter-finals.Those returning are content to do so because of the pally atmosphere at the small club from the Arctic circle. Read More on FootballSporting director Havard Sakariassen, 48, explained: “We have some guys in our team, Patrick Berg, Frederik Andre Bjorkan, Jens Petter Hauge, Hakon Evjen, who have left us and tried the other side, going to European clubs.“It has a value in itself, in your life, to be able to play at this level in your hometown, also with your friends.“The culture in the club here is something they really enjoy. “Of course, over the years, we have become competitive in Scandinavia regarding salaries and the business part of it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But I think it has to be rare to be able to play football with your mates at this level anywhere in Europe and that has a value.”Bodo/Glimt grabbed headlines by battering Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in 2021.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt They then played Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal a year later, also in the Europa League, but lost both group games without scoring a goal.They have developed considerably since then, against the odds given their relatively tiny resources compared to some of the clubs they have seen off in Europe.They have beaten FC Twente, Besiktas, Olympiacos and Lazio already this season.While they certainly will not be taken lightly by Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou, whose Celtic side lost twice to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League three years ago.Sakariassen, who had two stints at the club as a player, added: “For us every game is learning and we have played a lot of difficult games against good teams in Europe since we played Arsenal some years ago.“We have cracked some codes regarding performance, especially away. Manager’s impact“To be more cynical, not to be naive going to play against good teams in Europe.“It’s maybe a better squad but also a better prepared Bodo/Glimt at this point.”Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen has been an integral part behind the club’s rise, having been in charge since 2018.He has been linked to numerous posts, including Leeds and Brighton, in recent years.Sakariassen is relaxed about his manager’s situation – while he reads nothing into Spurs’ atrocious league form ahead of the first-leg showdown in N17.The supremo added: “Of course Kjetil is an attractive coach, that’s just the nature of what we do.’We have all the tools’“I know that he enjoys being in Bodo, he enjoys working at this club. “Should he for some reason decide to do something else I think we should applaud him to the airport and say thank you. “But I’m not afraid of that at all, and I think that we will work here for more years to come – but who knows.“I don’t think we look at Tottenham’s league form at all. We know that we meet a good team, tremendous football players at a high, high level.Read More on The Sun“But we also walk into this game with confidence that whoever we meet we believe we’re able to compete. “I truly believe we have all the tools to be brave enough to go out in London and just be Bodo/Glimt.” More

AMAD DIALLO has given Manchester United a huge injury boost ahead of their crunch Europa League tie on Thursday. Ruben Amorim’s side are preparing to face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Amad Diallo was back on the pitch at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: ReutersBoss Ruben Amorim is looking to keep United’s season aliveCredit: ReutersDiallo has been out of action for the Red Devils since suffering an ankle injury in early February. But he returned to the Carrington training pitch on Wednesday as the squad prepares to jet to Bilbao.Diallo’s status for tomorrow’s match has not yet been confirmed. He could however feature this weekend as United take on Brentford in the Premier League. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the 22-year-old – who has netted nine goals and contributed eight assists this season – should be fit for next week’s second leg at Old Trafford.Amad’s return to the squad will add a much-needed attacking boost to Amorim’s shot-shy team. He has reportedly recovered in “record time” after injuring his ankle ligaments against Leicester. Diallo had originally been expected to miss the remainder of the season following his diagnosis. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMatthijs De Ligt also took part in the open training session after he suffered a muscle injury last month. The Dutchman has missed the last six games, with the Red Devils keeping just one clean sheet in that period. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everClub captain Bruno Fernandes spoke out earlier this week and admitted winning the Europa League would not save United’s season.Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League with 10 wins from 34 games.Fernandes said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.”I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. “But it won’t save anything.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED could still save what has been a disastrous season.But their mettle will be tested in the semi final, with the first leg against Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Thursday.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview their away leg and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAthletic Bilbao vs Manchester United previewFour remain in the Europa League and this looks a close tie between Bilbao and United.It might sound a little strange to say, with Bilbao flying high in fourth in La Liga and United three points clear of 17th in the Premier League.But for a long period now, this competition has been the number one priority for Ruben Amorim and his players.It very nearly ended in catastrophe in the last round when trailing 4-2 to 10-man Lyon at Old Trafford, before that stirring comeback that saw them score in minutes 120 and 121 to complete a remarkable turnaround to win 5-4.Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth – again a side who finished with 10 men – was a decent result and they’d have taken before the game but there was just a real lack of final third quality.If Bruno Fernandes doesn’t create anything, United don’t create anything.That Lyon victory came after the sides drew 2-2 in normal time, meaning United haven’t won any of their last seven games in 90 minutes in all competitions. A worrying stat.But they might well take heart in the knowledge Bilbao toiled against Rangers over two legs in the previous round and really didn’t look particularly special in either leg when winning 2-0 on aggregate.There’s immense pressure on Bilbao to make it through too, with the final being held at their stadium – where admittedly they do have a great unbeaten record of nine games currently.United would likely snap your hand off for a draw to bring back.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-1 at 11/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Alex Berenguer 6/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREAthletic Bilbao vs Man Utd latest oddsAthletic Bilbao at Evens with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd predictionsLeaderAs mentioned, Bruno Fernandes is by far and away United’s best player and their progression in the tie likely rests on his shoulders.Has very rarely let them down when needed most, it’s just a pity about some around him.Set piece taker and picks up great spots on the pitch. Have to book at the odds.Bruno Fernandes to score anytime at 16/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREStay in the tieUnited would bite your hand off to bring home any sort of result here.Europe seems to have brought the best out of them too and that Bilbao display against Rangers in the round before shows they’re maybe not what they’re cracked up to be.Having said that, it would be silly to assume United will suddenly turn up and put in a top away display but they can certainly avoid defeat.Draw and BTTS at 15/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). 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TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been boosted by  Bodo/Glimt’s disciplinary cock-up.Norwegian media revealed Bodo captain Patrick Berg and midfield partner Hakon Evjen are banned for Thursday’s semi-final first-leg after the club misinterpreted Uefa rules on bookings.Tottenham have been handed a boost ahead of the first leg against Bobo/GlimtCredit: AFPThe Norwegians are going to be without several key playersCredit: RexYellow cards from earlier in the competition are wiped out AFTER the quarter-final stage.But Norway’s champions wrongly believed their players would avoid a one-match suspension even if they reached the three-booking threshold for a ban in the second leg of their last-eight tie against Lazio.Both Berg and Evjen received their third yellows of the tournament in the second half in Rome a fortnight ago.And Bodo/Glimt were stunned to learn they would have to travel to London without the key pair, as well as striker Andreas Helmersen, who was sent off in extra-time against the Italians. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJonas Bergh-Johnsen, a sports reporter for Viaplay, explained that a colleague broke the news to players after they had beaten Lazio 3-2 in a penalty shootout.He said: “The atmosphere in the dressing room kind of changed after the news from Viaplay that, ‘You’re going to miss a couple of your absolute key players in the first leg’.“I cannot understand how that is possible, that they thought they were allowed to have yellow cards in Rome.“The suspension does not disappear, that was the mistake that someone in the administration in Bodo made.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“You cannot get your head around that because in such a big club with a lot of people involved in all parts in sports and administration, someone should say, ‘Hey, this does not look right’.”On top of losing the three suspended players, Bodo/Glimt could also be without centre-back Odin Bjortuft against Ange Postecoglou’s side.Ange Postecoglou gives bleak update on Tottenham future even if he wins Europa League Bjortuft went off with a groin problem during the league win over KFUM on Sunday, a game that winger Ole Didrik Blomberg missed with an unknown injury.According to Bergh-Johnson, the Norwegians are now worried they will leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a fighting chance of reaching the final in Bilbao on May 21.He told the An Echo Of Glory podcast: “They were thinking maybe a 2-0, 3-1 defeat would be OK to go to Bodo/Glimt but now they are worried that it may be even worse.“Patrick Berg is so instrumental to everything they do and they don’t really have any proper back-ups.“Patrick is an ever-present in the team. So it’s really hard to get in there and to get any practice of playing that very vital role for  the team.” More

BRUNO FERNANDES believes winning the Europa League will not save Manchester United’s dismal season.Ruben Amorim’s men are 14th in the Prem with four matches to play after scrambling a late point at Bournemouth on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes has had his say on potential Europa League gloryCredit: GettyYet they still have the chance to put a positive spin on the campaign by lifting a European trophy and claiming a place in next season’s Champions League.But ahead of their semi-final first-leg trip to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, skipper Fernandes says it will not overshadow the bigger picture.The Portuguese playmaker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward, I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. But it won’t save anything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBilbao are fourth in LaLiga and have an added incentive to reach the final — as it will be held in their city next month.Fernandes said: “They have the final at home if they beat us, so it will be really tough. You have to be prepared.”Man Utd salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.The Red Devils fell behind on the South Coast via Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd minute effort.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRasmus Hojlund bagged a late equaliser at BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson was sent off 20 minutes from time, allowing United back into the contest.Goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund netted a rare strike on 96 minute to deliver a blow to Bournemouth’s own European hopes.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser More