Manchester United – Athletic Club: Substitutes Save Unconvincing United (4-1)

Manchester United underwhelmed for the first hour of this match, showing no real quality on the ball. This led to Athletic Club having a good foothold in the game with their high pressing but struggling to find cutting edge up front. Second half substitutes made the difference for Ruben Amorim's side, with Amad Diallo and Mason Mount bringing moments of quality.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

A Europa League semi-final away leg against Athletic Club looked like it might be a tough test for United prior to last week's match, and that was how things turned out for the first half-hour or so. However, an Athletic red card changed the match, and United ended up running out 3-0 winners.

Ruben Amorim started his side in the usual 3-4-3 shape, with a back three of Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte partnered in central midfield, while Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu were the wing-backs. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes then supported Rasmus Højlund up front.

Ernesto Valverde meanwhile deployed a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Unai Nuñez, and Yuri Berchiche making up the back four. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar were the double pivot, while Álex Berenguer played as the number ten. Athletic were without their three most dangerous forward players due to injury, with Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Oihan Sancet all sidelined. Instead, Álvaro Djaló and Unai Gómez played wide, while Maroan Sannadi started up front.

Unconvincing United

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