Pundit Predictions: Who will be United’s hero?

Who will Ruben Amorim turn to as Manchester United seek to secure a spot in a European final?

That’s the key question our MUTV pundits have been debating while playing our popular United Predictions game ahead of an Old Trafford night under the lights.

Last time in this competition in M16, the Theatre of Dreams witnessed one of the most special ends to a game in our famous stadium’s rich history. The Reds came from behind to win 5-4 in extra-time. Will we see something similar again, or can United show the mature game management required to take a three-goal first-leg advantage and ensure a final spot with it?

Perhaps, given the intense nature of both Athletic’s and United’s play, we could see a barnstorming back-and-forth game. In that case, which Red could be the hero on what we hope will be a special evening? Harry Maguire was the man against Lyon, and Bruno Fernandes the main figure out in Bilbao. What about this time?

Well, before you make your predictions in our game, get some insight and advice from a couple of Champions League-winning ex-Reds. So, read their thoughts and then join us to predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes.

WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes.

Score: United 2 Athletic Club 1

First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund

Two-time Champions League-winning full-back Wes Brown is backing Ruben to start Luke Shaw at left-centre-back, in the only change from the side that beat Athletic Club in the first leg.

Meanwhile, after being fully rested for Sunday’s league game at Brentford, Wes thinks Hojlund is the man who’ll find the back of the net first for the Reds. And he predicts United to go through as 5-1 winners on aggregate. We can get behind that!

DAVID MAY’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dorgu, Casemiro, Ugarte, Shaw; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

First scorer: Bruno Fernandes

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes

Score: United 2 Athletic Club 0

Treble-winner David May sees United winning this one, and keeping another clean sheet while we do so.

He’s in no doubt about who the key figure over the two legs will be. After a double at the San Mames last Thursday, David foresees our captain Bruno being at the heart of things once again, as both first goalscorer and Man of the Match. Given his recent form, it’s a sensible shout.

Fernandes scores the Reds’ third Video

Fernandes scores the Reds’ third

See how Bruno Fernandes moved on to seven Europa League goals for the season, just before half-time…

Digging a little deeper into his predictions, Maysie reckons Noussair Mazraoui will return to the side, having been fully rested for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brentford. Also in defence, he’s backing Luke Shaw to start at Old Trafford, having only been a 74th-minute substitute away from home.

Like Wes, that’s the only change that Maysie’s expecting from the first leg: Shaw in for Victor Lindelof. Do you agree?

WHAT RUBEN’S SAID

Keen for more insight before making your choices? Well, here’s the key lines from the boss to help you.

On injuries: “Matta [De Ligt] cannot play tomorrow. It is not a big issue. That is a good thing. The rest, Ayden [Heaven] doesn’t recover. Toby [Collyer] is not available, I think that’s it.”

On the challenge ahead: “If you look at our season, anything is possible. We have to understand that one goal can change everything, the momentum of the game, one sent off, you saw it one week ago. So, we are prepared to fight to win the game, not thinking about the result [of the tie]. Of course, that matters, in the way we are going to do things, especially in the start of the game, but we are thinking about winning the game.”

Does all that indicate a starting spot for anyone in particular? You decide.

Ruben: My message to fans Video

Ruben: My message to fans

AMORIM Q&A | Ruben has a message to his players, and to United fans…

PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS

Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.

You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.

With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!

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