Manchester United vs Athletic Club Bet Builder Tips: Fernandes features in 25/1 punt

Manchester United pulled off an almighty shock when winning 3-0 in the Basque Country last Thursday and Athletic Bilbao now have it all to do in this Europa League semi-final.

The visitors will have to go on the front foot at Old Trafford and that could lead to a frantic game full of goals and cards, both of which feature in our 25/1 Bet Builder tips for Thursday’s second leg.

Football Odds

Over 2.5 goals

Last week’s first leg in Bilbao produced three goals and it could be much of the same in Manchester, given five of United’s last seven matches went over 2.5 goals.

Athletic have to attack as they chase the tie and they could find some joy against a defence which shipped four at Brentford on Sunday and has managed just two clean sheets in nine matches.

Bruno Fernandes anytime goalscorer

Manchester United would not be in this semi-final and would be a lot closer to the Premier League relegation zone than they already are if it wasn’t for Bruno Fernandes and their talismanic captain should step up again on Thursday.

The Portuguese has scored six goals in his last four Europa League appearances and is United’s designated penalty taker, meaning he rates a solid bet to find the net for the third time in this semi-final.

Manchester United vs Athletic Club Odds

Manuel Ugarte to be booked

No Manchester United player has picked up more yellow cards than Manuel Ugarte this term, with the Uruguayan accumulating a mammoth 14 bookings in his debut season with the Red Devils.

The combative midfielder has been booked eight times in his last 17 appearances for club and country, with a ninth likely to arrive on Thursday as he gets through a lot of defensive work.

Bilbao star Oihan Sancet could be back for this second leg and his exceptional ability could force Ugarte into a few more fouls than usual.

Aitor Paredes to be booked

With Daniel Vivian suspended following his red card in the first leg, Ernesto Valverde will have to bring in Aitor Paredes to partner Yeray Alvarez in the heart of defence.

Paredes committed one foul in just 49 minutes in the first leg and then three when starting Sunday’s Basque derby against Real Sociedad, suggesting he is a prime candidate for a yellow card in Manchester.

Bilbao will commit men forward as they look to claw back a three-goal deficit and that could leave them susceptible to the pace of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo on the break, meaning Paredes may be forced into a cynical foul at Old Trafford.

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