Manchester United handed huge double BOOST ahead of Europa League semi-final second leg

Manchester United's Europa League opponents Athletic Bilbao will go into the second leg of their semi-final without brothers Nico and Inaki WIlliams. Neither of the stars are in the travelling squad for the match at Old Trafford, with injury cited as the reason.

Both started the first leg at San Mames, where United won 3-0 to put one foot in the final. However, neither can be called upon for the return game at Old Trafford as Athletic chase an unlikely comeback.

Nico has been used sparingly in the league of late, with manager Ernesto Valverde aiming to keep him fresh for Europe. He missed out entirely against Real Sociedad over the weekend, though,and is not available on Thursday night.

Inaki did play in that match, but made way for Alvaro Djalo around an hour into the goalless draw. And the two Williams brothers aren't the only stars missing.

Top scorer Oihan Sancet missed the first leg through injury and has not recovered in time to play a part at Old Trafford. Dani Vivian will also miss out, with the defender's red card in the first leg earning him a suspension.

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United hold a commanding advantage as they prepare to welcome Ernesto Valverde's team to Old Trafford. The first leg hinged on a contentious penalty call, with Vivian sent off following a VAR check after being ruled to have fouled Rasmus Hojlund.

Ruben Amorim's team already led 1-0 through Casemiro at that stage, and captain doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Fernandes added his second and United's third on the stroke of half-time.

United star Casemiro hailed the role played by the fans as Amorim's men chase European glory. The semi against Athletic comes after a dramatic late comeback against Lyon in the previous round, and the Red Devils are now within touching distance of a final against or Bodo/Glimt.

“Of course, when you do not win, it is difficult to be loyal and support the team," . "This year, in the European competition, we are a little bit closer but, in the league, we aren’t where we should be, and we aren’t playing well. But the fans are something incredible. It isn’t normal how good they are.

"It isn’t normal how they support us and help us. The other night against Lyon was an unforgettable night in my career and something incredible, an incredible game. They always support us — whether we are playing well or badly. When I get home, I speak with my family or my inner circle about what the fans are like here.

“All I can say, from my heart, is thank you very much. If they didn’t support us like they do, it would be even more difficult, so the thing we have to say to everyone who comes to games here, and to the whole city, is it’s something incredible. So, all I can say is thank you, thank you very much."

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