Before the storm: Fixtures around Man United vs Athletic double-header

Manchester United beat Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final to reach the semi-final.

They will now meet Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate.

The first leg will occur at San Memes, coincidentally the final venue, on May 1, while the return fixture is scheduled for a week later at Old Trafford.

United must win this competition to qualify for the Champions League, while Athletic may not need to, as they currently sit fourth in the La Liga standings.

However, Ernesto Valverde’s side will be determined to win it for the first time in the club’s history.

United have two Premier League games to play ahead of the first leg. They host Wolverhampton Wanderers this Sunday and then face AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium.

Athletic will face title challengers Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday before facing Las Palmas. They will have a week off before their first meeting with the Red Devils.

United have just one fixture before hosting the Spanish outfit. They have a clash with Brentford at the Gtech community stadium.

Athletic also have one fixture before the second leg — they face Real Sociedad on May 4.

United hold edge over Athletic

United have the advantage over Athletic ahead of the two-legged tie between them.

The Red Devils have little to play for in the league. Manager Ruben Amorim has already revealed that he could ‘take risks’ by fielding the academy players in the remaining domestic games.

This would allow the first-team players adequate rest before their meeting with Athletic.

By contrast, the Spanish side are aiming for a top-four finish in La Liga, preventing them from resting key players before facing United.

Article written by Henry Thornton .