Man Utd land crucial suspension boost for Europa League second leg vs Athletic Club
Man Utd will aim to book their spot in the Europa League final when Athletic Club visit Old Trafford on Thursday.
Manchester United hold the upper hand in more ways than one as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club next week. The Red Devils will welcome Athletic to Old Trafford on Thursday evening and take a three-goal lead into the match after blowing the hosts away in Bilbao in the first leg.
United secured a commanding 3-0 victory at San Mames despite entering the clash as the underdogs amid a woeful domestic season. Bruno Fernandes bagged a brace after Casemiro's header to move three goals ahead in the first half and take the game away from the La Liga club. United know that they will return to Bilbao for the final on May 21 if they avoid a defeat by three or more goals on home turf in the second leg, and the visitors' task has been made even more difficult.
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It's not just the 3-0 advantage that puts Ruben Amorim's side in a favourable position ahead of Athletic's visit to M16. The availability of key players for their opponents also plays a crucial role.
United's triumph over Athletic saw stalwart defender Dani Vivian receive a red card in the first half for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund, leading to a penalty which Fernandes successfully converted.
After a lengthy VAR review, Vivian was dismissed for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, infuriating the home crowd and resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.
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Consequently, the centre-back will be absent when Athletic face United at Old Trafford in the upcoming second leg, a severe blow that Ernesto Valverde has to work around.
Yeray Alvarez, who partnered with Vivian in the centre-back position for Bilbao against United on Thursday, is anticipated to play again in his teammate's absence for the second leg.
Aitor Paredes may step into Vivian's shoes as centre-back for the showdown at Old Trafford, having been brought into the game just minutes after the defender was sent off in Spain.
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There's also uncertainty surrounding one of Oihan Sancet's availability for the return match against United in Manchester.
Sancet is one of Athletic's star men alongside Niko Williams and Inaki Williams, scoring 17 goals in 32 games from attacking midfield this season.
However, the midfielder sat out the first leg due to a muscle injury, and it's yet to be confirmed whether he'll recover in time to participate in the second leg.
This article was first published on the Manchester Evening News
