Ruben Amorim fires Man Utd warning over Athletic Bilbao but explains how they can win

Ruben Amorim has called on his players to draw inspiration from their epic comeback against Lyon. United face on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, after at Old Trafford in the previous round.

Trailing 4-2 in extra-time, United scored three goals in seven minutes, including Harry Maguire's 121st minute winner, to book their semi-final spot. It was a rare moment to savour in United's worst-ever season, with Amorim's hapless side currently down in 14th place after a humiliating domestic campaign.

But the Europa League has provided United with some respite from their domestic woes, with Amorim hoping the memory of their thrilling night can inspire his players in the San Mames Stadium. “We're always searching for a great moment that can change a lot of things,” said Amorim.

“We just need to be consistent, but it was a great night. In this kind of season, you have these special moments that you can take and use to do something even more special.”

United are the only team from the 72 that started out in the and Europa League this season to remain unbeaten, with seven wins and five draws so far. But Athletic Bilbao are fourth in and will present United's toughest test in the competition so far, a point acknowledged by Amorim.

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“They have a lot of good things,” said Amorim. “They are really strong and intense, really aggressive, even for a Spanish team. They have great players one against one. Nico Williams is a special player and they have the best defence in Spain.

“We're not scoring too many goals, so it's going to be a tough match for us. We know that in the beginning of the game, in the first 20 to 30 minutes especially, they are really strong, really intense.

“They use the crowd to take the game to a different level. We are prepared for that and we know are going to face a very strong team.”

Asked if it was embarrassing that a team as low as United in the Premier League could win the Europa League and go straight into the Champions League next season, Amorim said: “It’s the rules. Maybe you can say it’s not fair because the best teams, the champions, should be in the Champions League, but it gives value to this competition.

“If you win a cup, you go into Europe, so it’s the rules. I don’t know if it’s fair or not, but if there's that possibility then we have to try and reach it. I think the players are prepared. Every player is an international. The context of this season is really complicated in every aspect, but I don't see it as an issue.

“The players are excited to be here and they are capable of winning. We have to deal with a lot of things in our club, but we will be fine with or without the Champions League.”

Winger Amad Diallo and defender Matthijs De Ligt have returned from injury and travelled to Bilbao with the squad, but neither is ready to start.

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