Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final opponents, Athletic Club, have suffered a major setback with Oihan Sancet picking up an injury ahead of the crucial clash.
United booked their place in the last four after a sensational comeback in the second leg of their quarter-final tie against French outfit Olympique Lyonnais.
The Red Devils currently have all their eggs in the Europa League, amidst a wretched Premier League season that currently has them in 14th place in the Premier League. Lifting the trophy would not only deliver much-needed silverware but also secure a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.
Ruben Amorim recently emphasised the importance of going all the way in the Europa League, citing just how big of a difference it could make in the upcoming transfer window.
The additional revenue generated from Champions League qualification could prove crucial for United, providing the financial boost needed to pursue top transfer targets and strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
Last week, Athletic Club confirmed that Nico Williams had suffered a groin injury. The setback ensured Williams missed Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, another key player for the La Liga side has sustained an injury. Oihan Sancet was forced off with an apparent physical issue during the first half of Athletic’s meeting with Las Palmas on Wednesday.
Sancet was on the pitch for only 22 minutes before he was withdrawn, unable to carry on.
The Spaniard was in pain after picking up a knock and had to be replaced by Peio Canales. Sancet’s first chance to return will of course be next week’s Europa League match vs. United.
22′ Sub for Athletic.
🔄 Canales replaces Sancet, who’s picked up a knock.
1-0 I #AthleticLasPalmas #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/pqV6Sx28YC
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 23, 2025
The 24-year-old has been instrumental for Athletic this season and is their top scorer.
He has plundered 15 goals and provided one assist in 24 top-flight appearances. Sancet has registered two goals and as many assists in the Europa League.
Should he miss the clash with United, he will certainly be a big miss for Athletic but one less headache for Amorim.
But, it’s not all bad news for Athletic as Williams was named on the bench for the 1-0 win over Las Palmas. The winger even had a taste of the action as he came on in the 65th minute for Álex Berenguer.
For now, United’s full attention is on Sunday’s game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Feature image Alex Caparros via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
