Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Odds

Date: 08/05/25
Kick-off time: 20:00
Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United host Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final. United boast a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead following an authoritative first-leg display in Bilbao, and now look to finish the job under the lights in Manchester. Despite enduring their worst Premier League campaign in decades, Rúben Amorim’s men remain unbeaten in Europe this season and have shown a distinct focus on continental success. For Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao, the uphill climb is steep, and their away form offers little confidence heading into this decisive clash.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Team News

The Red Devils are once again forced into changes, as Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee all remain unavailable through injury. Amorim is expected to maintain a youthful lineup, having relied heavily on emerging talents throughout this European run. The backline will likely feature Yoro and Maguire at its core, with Lindelöf potentially filling in at full-back if needed.

Athletic Bilbao are also dealing with disruption. Central defender Dani Vivian is suspended following his dismissal in the first leg, a moment that fundamentally altered the tie’s trajectory. In attack, doubts linger over both Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams, with muscle and pelvis issues threatening their availability. Should Williams be ruled out, Bilbao’s most potent attacking outlet would be lost.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips

Man Utd v Bilbao betting tips must consider the aggregate scoreline, injury status, and recent form. United have struggled domestically, but their Europa League performances have been markedly stronger. The home side average 1.9 goals per match at Old Trafford and remain undefeated in regulation time across their European campaign. Having defeated Bilbao 3-0 in the reverse fixture, confidence is high for progression.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club’s away record is a significant concern. They’ve scored in none of their last four matches on the road and have managed just one victory in their previous ten away outings in all competitions. The Basques’ defensive solidity has been impressive in La Liga, conceding just 26 goals in 34 games, but replicating that against United’s dynamic attack is a different task altogether.

With the pressure on Bilbao to chase goals, they may leave space in behind for Garnacho, Højlund and Diallo to exploit. Expect United to sit deep and break with pace.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Match Prediction

United are likely to adopt a controlled, counter-attacking approach given their first-leg advantage. Bilbao must attack from the outset, but their limited firepower away from home and key absences make their comeback hopes faint. The hosts have shown composure in knockout situations and possess the firepower to punish any overcommitment from the visitors.

Our Man Utd v Bilbao prediction is a narrow win for United, capitalising on space in behind and punishing Athletic in transition. A victory for the Red Devils is a logical outcome based on form and context.

Match Prediction: Manchester United to win. Bet with bet365.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Correct Score Tips & Prediction

Man Utd v Bilbao score prediction should reflect the tactical balance of the tie. Given United’s comfortable lead, we don’t expect them to chase goals with urgency. Instead, a compact setup aimed at neutralising Bilbao’s attacks and countering with precision appears most likely.

Athletic have scored just three goals in their last five outings and failed to hit the net in four successive away games. Despite that, the desperation to score could see them snatch a goal from a set-piece or scramble in the box. Expect United’s quality to prevail, albeit without the goal glut of the first leg.

Correct Score Prediction: 2-1 to Manchester United. Bet with bet365.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

Man Utd v Bilbao Over/Under goals prediction leans towards the under market. While United’s attack is capable of exploiting space, the match context suggests a cagey affair. Amorim will likely demand discipline and focus, knowing a low-scoring draw or one-goal win is sufficient.

Athletic’s toothless away form and United’s defensive mindset to protect their advantage make over 3.5 goals unlikely. Under 3.5 goals holds strong value, while under 2.5 is also worth consideration depending on price offered.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Bet Builder Tip

Man Utd v Bilbao bet builder tip should focus on key trends. With United likely to score on the break and Bilbao chasing the game, a goal from one of the Red Devils’ frontline looks promising. Rasmus Højlund netted in the first leg and again in the recent draw with Bournemouth, making him an ideal candidate to score anytime.

A cautious affair with limited goals, combined with United to win or draw and Højlund to score, creates a strong builder selection.

Bet Builder Tip: Rasmus Højlund to score anytime, Under 3.5 goals, Manchester United double chance (win or draw). Bet with bet365.

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