Thu May 08 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Manchester United Cautious Despite Commanding Europa League Lead

**Manchester, England** – Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, is urging caution despite his team holding a commanding 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao heading into their Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford. While statistically, a three-goal away win in the first leg has historically guaranteed progression in this competition, Amorim isn’t taking anything for granted.

“If you look at our season, anything is possible,” Amorim stated, referencing United’s inconsistent form. He emphasized the potential for a single goal to shift momentum, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game. “We are fighting to win the game. We are thinking about winning the game,” he added.

The manager downplayed the absence of Athletic Bilbao’s star players, Iñaki and Nico Williams, citing United’s own recent rollercoaster of results, including a comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Lyon in the previous round. “Sometimes during the game we are one team, something happens and we lose our mind a little bit,” Amorim explained. “We cannot say today what is going to happen.”

While United boasts an impressive unbeaten run in 17 Europa League knockout home games, Amorim believes scoring early is crucial to avoid potential pitfalls. “I feel we need to score to go to the next round. We will have to suffer a bit to go to the final,” he said.

The return of defender Noussair Mazraoui is a boost for United, although Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a minor knee injury. Amorim described De Ligt’s injury as “not a big issue,” anticipating his return soon. The second leg is set to take place at Old Trafford, with a potential final against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt awaiting the victor.

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