Manchester United will confirm their place in the Europa League final on Thursday evening should they avoid losing by more than two goals at home to Athletic Club in their semifinal second leg.
Bruno Fernandes' brace and Casemiro's effort secured a 3–0 first leg victory over the ten-man Basque outfit in Bilbao last week, meaning the Red Devils are in an extremely strong position to reach the showpiece fixture. Should they avoid a collapse at Old Trafford, they will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodø/Glimt – the former most likely after their 3–1 first leg triumph.
Given United's underwhelming home form this season, they will be taking nothing for granted during Athletic Club's visit. Since the competition's rebranding in 2009, only Valencia have overturned a three-goal deficit from a knockout first leg to progress, beating Basel 5–0 after extra-time in the second leg of the quarterfinals in 2013–14.
Athletic Club are hoping to become the second La Liga side to achieve the feat midweek but have made life extremely difficult for themselves, even against the unpredictable United. They will take solace from the Red Devils' Old Trafford record, however, with eight home defeats in the Premier League this term.
Here is guide to the second leg.
