Amorim must start 22yo creative Man Utd star vs Athletic, he returned from injury recently

Manchester United face Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.

The Red Devils stunned their Spanish opponents with a 3-0 defeat last week.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, alongside a red card for Dani Vivian dictated the scoreline.

Athletic are expected to come out swinging in Manchester, desperate to mount a comeback.

We believe manager Ruben Amorim must field his strongest possible XI, and that includes handing Amad Diallo a starting role at right wing-back.

Diallo returned to action in the first leg last week after spending significant time on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

He was sent on at the break in the 4-3 loss to Brentford on Sunday.

The 22-year-old lacked the usual explosiveness at the start, clearly showing signs of rustiness.

However, he improved as the game went on and scored United’s third goal.

Using his trademark creativity to carve out space, he unleashed a left-footed strike.

The Brentford goalkeeper should have done better but a goal before a crucial European showdown does wonders for his confidence.

With Diogo Dalot injured, Amorim could opt to deploy Noussair Mazraoui at right wing-back.

However, that leaves a hole in back three with Matthijs de Ligt suffering an injury on Sunday.

Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are nailed-on starters, leaving a decision between Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw for the final spot.

Starting Diallo at right wing-back will allow Mazraoui to switch to central defence, where he has thrived under Amorim.

Reaching the Europa final would take United to the brink of Champions League qualification.

Lifting the trophy would not just save their season, it would bring much-needed joy back to Old Trafford.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .