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Daily Manchester United - 153 - Europa League Preview (H)
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Kieran and Tom jump on to discuss a preview the important second-leg tie against Athletic Club!
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Transcript
Introduction and Match Day Expectations
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Daily Manchester United. We're here on match day. it is Thursday. Yes, cross your fingers, keep everything's crossed. Maybe Athletic Club might just get another red card. Welcome along.
00:00:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're here to talk to you about the preview and what to expect and who could be playing and all sorts. What lessons did we learn? All that and more coming up on today's episode. My name is Kieran McGinley. I'm glad to say I'm joined by the fabulous Mr. Tom Cairns. Tom, how are you?
00:00:37
Tom Cairns
um All right.
Pre-Match Analysis: Manchester United vs. Athletic Club
00:00:38
Tom Cairns
Thank you, Kieran. And we couldn't be any happier to see where Mania Isidara as far as the European campaign is concerned. Three up from the first leg against Athletic Bilbao or Athletic Club, however you want to call them.
00:00:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:00:50
Tom Cairns
You couldn't dream of a better position than where Mania Isidara. If you are a Mania, a fan, of course. And i think we're giving up for what could be just a see-out game, really. Even if it's the most boring one, then so be it.
00:01:03
Tom Cairns
That'll be a what it will be to get us to the final in Bilbao.
00:01:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:01:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree. I agree. It could be the most boring, you know, nails down a chalkboard, 90 minutes ever. If it gets us to the final, so be it.
Recap of First Leg Highlights
00:01:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to speak of it, you know, let's remind ourselves of what happened in that first leg because um we did record an episode and and we had some trouble with it.
00:01:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So um it was a bit of a shame you never heard it because we went absolutely mental. um But ah let's talk about Casemiro's first goal. Obviously, Maguire putting in a performance on the wings, you know, of all places for him to appear. We know he's been in an a purple patch in a tagging form recently, but to appear on the wing, it's a header on from Agate. So Maguire isn't even going to get the assist and then headed in by Casemiro, who, you know, over recent matches and over recent weeks, I've noticed, you know, the corners, the free kicks do end up on Casemiro's head, but he doesn't normally get them on target. This one was right on the money.
00:01:58
Tom Cairns
Right on the money, right place, right time, far post. Yes, it was a fantastic, well-worked goal by Manchester United with Maguire putting that brilliant crossing off that dummy on the right wing and to get the ball in for Ugarte to get a head on it, to put it in for Casemiro to just sort it away.
00:02:14
Tom Cairns
I mean, even though Casemiro is not the best of players to get header on target, he was never going to miss from the distance that he had headed it in. So it was a fantastic start for Manchester because I thought Bilbao had the better chances in the first 20 minutes before United states came into their stride.
00:02:31
Tom Cairns
And that was the beginning of what would be and an evening to remember for the people from Old Trafford.
Key Moments of the Game
00:02:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes Because right on the 35th minute, 34th, 35th minute, Vivian brings down Hoyland. And this promotes the referee to make a decision.
00:02:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it it involved Vivian being sent off a denial of a goal scoring, a clear goal scoring opportunity. Although with Hoyland trying to slide in,
00:03:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, could you call it clear? I think it was contentious at best. You can see why the decision was made. If it goes for you, great. If it goes against you, you're feeling hard done by. But ultimately, led to the penalty. Fernandes slots it home.
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think Remind me, Tom, of your view of it last week.
00:03:15
Tom Cairns
Well, it felt to me like it was harsh. It was very harsh because I think the penalty was not disputable. It's the fact that Vivian got sent off that was.
00:03:26
Tom Cairns
And that what really effectively killed the game for Bilbao because it was difficult for them to cope without um Danny Vivian, who is one of their star players in that back line, considering how defensively successful Bilbao have been in La Liga this season.
00:03:42
Tom Cairns
So the fact that Dani Vivian got that red card, was a big blow to Bilbao. But Fernandes and Man United didn't complain. They just got on with it. And Fernandes saw it in the penalty, calmly done. And United were well on their way.
00:03:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then Agate involved again in Fernandes' second goal with that little back heel that unlocks them. Fernandes charging in on goal. And as Sam said on last week's episode, you know he's one-on-one with the keeper. You're not expecting him to miss. It's a lovely finish past him.
00:04:10
Tom Cairns
It was. it It was lovely and with that back heel from Yigar, to see Fernandes. It was one of the best goals we had scored all season. Fernandes now, at the time of recording, I think he's contributed to 37 of Manchester United's goals.
00:04:23
Tom Cairns
19 goals and 18 assists.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
give it
00:04:26
Tom Cairns
You couldn't ask for more from Bruno.
00:04:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
As an attacking midfield who sometimes plays deeper as well, it he's had a phenomenal season.
00:04:33
Tom Cairns
Yeah.
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolute purple patch this year. um Probably one of his best seasons because he's he's been so pivotal in in bringing us and pulling us forward when really we should have been falling backwards. you know I imagine him as Rudolph at the front of the sleigh. You know, he's very much the pivoter one and we can't do anything without him.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, it was it was ah it was a weird one, wasn't it? B3-0 up at halftime. It was like this this otherly world this season. We don't normally go into halftime with such a commanding lead. And going into the second half, it it felt like maybe United took their foot off the gas a little bit.
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think actually Bilbao, you the last 20 minutes of game were starting to grow in confidence and it was a little bit worrying that United would keep being opening up by Bilbao towards the end of that game
00:05:21
Tom Cairns
well I thought United were in total control in that second half because we did have a chance to even make it 4-0. I thought we should have made it I can't remember the chance that we had, but I'm sure there was a point from watching the highlights as well as the the match itself live that there was a golden opportunity for... It might have been Highland, you know, or or something like that. I can't quite remember. But but yeah, we we just looked like we had more in us than what the scoreline suggested.
00:05:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
perhaps I'm a bit pessimistic, but then can you blame me for this season? its It's been a tough watch, but it's and it's nice to have a little bit of a distraction this season. As you said, Tom, and you've said multiple times, this is the only trophy that matters this this this season for anybody. That's it.
00:06:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But, you know, we've got something, well, we'll talk about sort of preview later on, but We expected, and we we talked about yeah a couple last week in the preview for the first leg, that this was going to be a tough game. that We expected Bilbao to be solid. This was fourth and the team who's fourth in La Liga at the moment.
00:06:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
We expected them to put up a fight. expected them to be a tough match to and a tough cookie to crack. But that first header, you Casemiro gets the first goal and go we go in front and you're thinking, right, this could go one of two ways. Either Bilbao are going come back or something strange is going to happen.
00:06:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it was the latter that happened this time and it was a major help for us.
00:06:46
Tom Cairns
It was a major help for once because we've had a lot of decisions go forwards when it should never have been. I even think back the FA Cup game against Arsenal where think it was Havertz who went down in the penalty area, but it should never have been given a penalty to begin with because it looked like he'd gone down too easily. But thankfully, Bayern Deer saved it from the spot.
00:07:04
Tom Cairns
One of his rare moments over the course of this season because Bayern Deer has not exactly lived up to Manchester United standards. But this one, it was the correct decision in terms of the red cards.
00:07:14
Tom Cairns
Not so sure about that. It came as a shock to me that Vivian got the red card. But United just, they never looked like failing from the moment they just went three up and saw the game out.
00:07:26
Tom Cairns
Now it's just all down to whether they were able to maintain that. Don't concede. Don't sit too deep in the round and half because that's when Bilbao will be encouraged to attack.
00:07:38
Tom Cairns
But it's about finding those gaps. And when Bilbao get desperate for the ball, it it will leave gaps open and it's down to United to exploit them.
00:07:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, some wise words, I think, from Kevin McAllister from Home Alone. This is it. Don't get scared now. think that's to be the mentality going into Old Trafford tonight. um Whilst you let that terrible quote from a movie that should be played maybe five, six months too early at the moment, let's have a word from our sponsors.
00:08:53
Tom Cairns
Thank you.
Athletic Bilbao's Challenges and Player Form
00:08:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
So sort of what lessons could we learn from from the game? Well, looking at league form coming into this one, obviously a league game for both sides coming into the second leg. Obviously, we know United lost 4-3 to Bremford, which, Nihal and Tulluwa on their first pairing episode together, mad.
00:09:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mad it was their first appearance together. It's like starting Casemiro and Eriksen. You never really see it. But when it happens, it's a mouthful. youve got to watch it. um But yeah, I think... We had that 4-3 lost and Atletic Club drew away 0-0 to Real Sociedad. So arguably and annoyingly, maybe Bilbao coming into this in in better form.
00:09:39
Tom Cairns
It's their local rivals as well, isn't it? Real Sossi does to Bilbao. So it's a hard pill for them to swallow after that Europa League defeat and then going up against your local rivals at the weekend, knowing that they're going to make a total mockery of you after the way you played against a below-param Manchester United over the course the season. and But somehow got on one of with it and i got a draw out of it. But I don't think that's going to have massive ramifications on how they do against Manchester United because they are without four of their key players, Kieran, two of which being the Williams brothers.
00:10:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, I've always been a fan of, especially Iñaki Williams, who think i've got to I've got to remember this because he set a record in La Liga for most consecutive appearances. And I have to fact check that.
00:10:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, he's phenomenal. So when he's out injured, you know it's it's a bad one. So we'll see we'll see what they can do without it But yeah, Nico Williams as well, his brother, as well as Danny Vivian. As you said, he's suspended for the match as well. So that's three big players out for Athletic Club before a ball's even kicked.
00:10:41
Tom Cairns
no in a game where, you know, not necessarily the season rides on it for Bilbao because they're in the top four in La Liga. So they've got a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League via their league position. I think Spain are the other nation that allow the top five in their league to qualify for the Champions League, isn't it? It's Spain and England that have the customary fifth place that would get them into the Champions League.
00:11:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, ah just sorry.
00:11:11
Tom Cairns
So, but Yeah, Bill Bauer not in a perilous situation in regards to that by any means.
00:11:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
by By all means. um I just looked up Inyaki Williams' record, by the way. 251 consecutive La Liga appearances. Ridiculous.
00:11:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely ridiculous. Yeah.
00:11:29
Tom Cairns
that snaily That's nearly the equivalent of eight seasons, isn't it?
00:11:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, it's that's mad. Yeah, 38-game season for La Liga. so Yeah, maths. Maths is there. Yeah, is you're right It's about six, seven, eight seasons, roughly that period. So phenomenal, phenomenal record. So for him to be injured and out is big news. It is big news. And we'll sort of um we'll sort of look onto that and see it as a sigh of relief because all of them are all dangerous players. i mean, Vivian was but at the heart of that midfield and Yeah, as you say, unlucky to get sent off.
00:12:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's probably more of a yellow rather than a red. And if he's on the pitch for that first leg, totally different game, I think.
00:12:12
Tom Cairns
Yeah, I would say so. I mean, I don't know Danny Vivian too well, but he does seem to be the kind of player that is stubborn enough to stop Manchester United from going through that middle of the park.
00:12:24
Tom Cairns
Um, because I think before he got sent off, I think we were more sort of spread out to the wings to get any form of ball into the penalty area. If we tried to do it through the middle of the park, when Vivian was on the pitch, it would have made it more difficult, but we exploited that to our advantage after he had gone.
00:12:41
Tom Cairns
And, um, Yeah, Bill Bauer are going to be in for a long evening, I think. I think if we if we get that assurance goal early on, it'll just kill off their interest.
00:12:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looking to United's team news now, this comes from Adam Marshall from Manchester United media team. This is as ah as of Wednesday the 7th of May. It's reported that Ruben Amrim has reported that...
00:13:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Training has happened on Wednesday morning at Carrington without Johnny Evans, Christian Eriksen or Matthias De Ligt. It's been reported now that Masraoui is available, having been rested in the defeat to Brentford.
00:13:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hoyland also had a breather and hopefully are available for the yeah for the return leg. Aidan Heaven did a solo session at the base.
00:13:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's been out for a long time, as we all know. ah But ah Dalo, Martinez, Collier and Xerxi all out as well for long times. De Ligt is also out ruled out for the next couple of games, although Amram's not ruling out of an appearance at the end of the season.
00:13:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah When he spoke at the media centre, he told journalists, it's not a big issue for De Ligt. It's a good thing he can't play tomorrow, which is today if you're listening to this now. He will not play on Sunday against West Ham, but will check day by day. The rest, Aidan Heaven, doesn't recover. Toby Collier is not available.
00:13:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
He says he thinks that's it. And so it's reported. Ericsson is expected to be in the matchday squad for the match, despite missing training. So it sounds like, you know, we've still got high profile players.
00:14:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
missing in action players. Martinez being one of them. ah Martinez, literally, would have been so up for and a semi-final contest where it's all on the line and you've got to put your heart and soul into a match. that This lives and breathes Martinez at the moment.
00:14:26
Tom Cairns
Yeah. It's annoying when each season he gets like a lengthy injury spell because he's a real menace in that back line is Martinez. So the fact we don't have him right now is a big blow, but it's allowed more game time for the others in center half.
00:14:41
Tom Cairns
The likes of Maguire, De Ligt, Jaro, Lindelof even actually, because Lindelof has had a fair few minutes despite the personal circumstances that has affected him somewhat, but he's back in the United squad now.
00:14:53
Tom Cairns
Um, it's a shame with Martinez because I do want to see him more and he needs to feature more next season without getting injured. But if we are continuing with this back three system, you need to have five or six centre-halves really in your squad just to help provide those genuine options.
00:15:12
Tom Cairns
I would probably say that Evans has had his time now. But the likes of Heaven, Lindelof, Martinez, De Ligt, Maguire, Jorow, that's six names there, isn't it?
00:15:28
Tom Cairns
Six names that would be able to fit into that United back three. when We know that Matsurari and Shaw could both be options as well.
00:15:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, either wing or centre-back. absolutely right. Yeah, it's it's going to be crunch time. I mean, yeah there are some high-profile names that are out. you know i Not quite high-profile signing, Aidan Heffern, but certainly a poach from the Arsenal Academy.
00:15:51
Tom Cairns
you
00:15:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
and In the the brief time we saw him on the pitch, he looked good and now sidelined for a long, long time. probably out for the rest of the season. Hopefully we get see him for a cameo at Aston Villa as sort of like ah a farewell to what has been a horrendous season league-wise.
00:16:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I don't want to say it's been a season defined by injury. It hasn't. It's been a season defined by players who are playing in a system they're not used to, trying to stick to that system and just not working in the Premier League. But yet in Europe, here we are on the eve of...
00:16:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
the Europa League semi-final with a three-goal advantage, albeit, yes, thanks to a red card. But, you know, it's not quite made sense how the system works in Europe, but not quite in the Premier League.
Significance of Europa League Victory?
00:16:41
Tom Cairns
And it sparks the debate across fans all over the world, really, maybe not just in this country, but it was something that Arsene Wenger alluded to. Should the team that's finished 14th or 15th or even lower qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League?
00:16:56
Tom Cairns
That could be something for us to briefly argue on
00:16:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I argue yes. I might be biased in that, but I argue yes. It was also um a okay yeah wasn't a similar scenario with Chelsea a few years ago where they were bottom ah' sort of mid to bottom half of the table. they They didn't have a great season. and Look at them now. They're challenging for Europe. Yes, it's been subpar, but the fact that we as Manchester United and Tottenham have been so poor, worse than Chelsea, in fact,
00:17:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah those four or five years ago. Speaks volumes, I think. It wasn't even four or five years ago. It something like three years ago now, wasn't it? Time flies when you're having fun. Oh, well.
00:17:36
Tom Cairns
Well, I was thinking about to when Chelsea finished his sixth and won the Champions League and booted Tottenham out of the Champions League, even though Tottenham had finished fourth. That sparked quite a debate, didn't it?
00:17:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:17:48
Tom Cairns
But the the argument is, for me, when it comes to winning the Europa League, is it's about winning things. And some of the tradition has been taken away by teams finishing fourth or fifth in the league to get into a competition that they could genuinely win.
00:18:07
Tom Cairns
Like over 25 years ago, it used to just be the league champions qualify for the Champions League. I mean, even Blackburn, when they won the league, when they had Alan Shearer in there and that, I can't remember which match it was, but there was a picture of Alan Shearer in a post-match interview in his Blackburn Rovers shirt with the Champions League logo on the um on the sleeve.
00:18:27
Tom Cairns
I mean, that's that's what football is about. But now it just feels like it should be decided on where they finished in the league as opposed to winning a cup. We got into the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. We didn't even finish high enough in the league in order to qualify for Europe. We had to win the FA Cup in order to get into Europe and be in the Europa League.
00:18:46
Tom Cairns
This summer round, if we end up in the Champions League, it's because we won something in order to get into it. Football is about winning things at the end of the day, not finishing you know third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or even 16th or 17th, because no one cares.
00:19:02
Tom Cairns
It's about winning things that pretty much define your season. People will look back on these moments thinking, oh, when did United last win the Europa League then? but That actually was a very, very good memory for us because of the difficult circumstances.
00:19:15
Tom Cairns
Oh yeah, that was in 2025 when it finished 17th. Do you think people will look at it that same way, Kieran? kain
00:19:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I would say yeah it's it's a good point. It's a good point you make, you know, but I kind of hark to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who says it's it's fine winning trophies. It's fine winning the old, you know, domestic cup.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that kind of patches up long-term long-term success. you know the the The focus should be on the league. And I think I agree to that circumstance. You know you need to be winning the league.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Manchester United to be at least challenging for the title. We've fallen away substantially over the last, I mean, you could say 10 years, but even five years would be pretty accurate. We've fallen a long, long away.
00:20:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah We've had, you know... We're in this financial crisis, but a financial crisis that is laying off people, but also building or planning to build a new stadium.
00:20:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Call it a financial crisis if you want. How much of that?
00:20:13
Tom Cairns
whatever that means.
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
mean, whatever that means. It's bit contradictory, but hey-ho.
Fan Optimism and Team Performance
00:20:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, it it's weirdly given us a sense of optimism. You know, six months ago, I was saying, we're only four points away from Europe.
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And now I'm here saying, well, we've only got a 3-0 lead. You know, it's it's a stark contrast into how the optimism has completely flipped on its head. ah given six months. But yeah, it'll be very nice to to walk away with this season with the trophy. But we've still got tomorrow, or at least today, as you're listening to this.
00:20:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we make it through today, we possibly have Tottenham or Bodo Glimt in the final. um But we we won't think too far ahead. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's think about the match. And after this break, we'll be talking a bit about our predicted 11. So join us after to this.
00:21:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencastr came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:21:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:21:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
The last time, Tom, you and I did day a pre-match 11 or a predicted 11, we pretty much got it on the on the nail, a nail on the head
Predicted Line-ups Discussion
00:21:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
between us two. Can we go two for two?
00:21:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Right, let's start. Or are you going to do what you did last time and go straight to the centre-backs because we know who the goalkeeper is?
00:21:55
Tom Cairns
Yeah, well, let's go straight to the centre-hours, because I think we can agree on the goalkeeper, don't we?
00:21:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. I think we can agree on Anana then. So let's have a think about centre-backs. I'll let you start, Tom. Who's who's on the back line?
00:22:05
Tom Cairns
Well, I wouldn't start De Ligt at all, or even put him on the bench. I think he needs some time to rest off, or look like a nasty injury picks up at the weekend. So he's out for me. It's probably going end up being Jorreau, Maguire and Lindelof, whichever, however you position them.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think the only difference in that would be, i would probably say if Maserawi is fit, he'll probably start the centre-back and I think he would change over for Lindelof. So I think Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof is a good shout, but I'm going to go for Yoro, Maguire and Maserawi.
00:22:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Wing-backs then, let's let's let's have this. What do you reckon?
00:22:43
Tom Cairns
I thought Mats Rowe was going to be the right wing back with Doggo being on the left.
00:22:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, okay. ah Interesting. Interesting. Yeah. Am I changing my mind? No, because Dallow's out. i can I can work with this. I can work with this. In that case, I'm going to go... way am I going to go?
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
i don't really want to play... i don't really want to play Dogu on the right. going have to go back on myself, aren't I? Or is that it? Are you not letting me go back? Have you shut the gates? Yeah.
00:23:09
Tom Cairns
ah might have just forced your hand there, Kieran.
00:23:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right. i'm goingnna go um I'm going to go somewhat unconventional. If Shaw is fit, I reckon he's going to start on the left wing, back, Dogel on the right. It's unconventional.
00:23:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know it harks of Amarum's first game where he had... he had He had Dorgo and played him on the other side. and it was like, what what's going on here?
00:23:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that's what I'm going to go for. Because i've I've made my bed with Masraou at centre-back. I'm going to line it now. We'll see what happens. um Holding midfield. This might be a little bit easier. Let's hope.
00:23:43
Tom Cairns
Casemiro and Yugate. Move on.
00:23:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
it just the We went for record time last time around. We're going for even quicker.
00:23:50
Tom Cairns
Yeah.
00:23:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Agate, Casemiro. I would probably... Again, well, Bruno Fernandes didn't start deeper last time, so he's probably not going to start deeper again. He can't go two for two.
00:24:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Agate Casemiro. Yeah, I think that's pretty straightforward. um Looking at your attacking midfielders.
00:24:07
Tom Cairns
I would be tempted to start Bruno alongside Mount, because Mount was excellent at the weekend, wasn't he?
00:24:12
Tom Cairns
And I think... As he's building some form of confidence now, and we've got to remember, Amarind's an admirer of Mount. I would leave Garnetche on the bench and bring him on just to bring that little bit of leverage in that attacking line and make it more difficult for Bilbao once those players get a little bit more tired on the pitch. Fernandes and Mount in the attacking mids for me.
00:24:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:24:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree with Fernandes. I would love Mount to start. Do I think he's going to start? No. I think Aram's going to be a bit careful with Mount because you know the time he's had him, he's been injured for quite some time.
00:24:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as you say, Aram's been a ah huge admirer of Mount. He loves the sort of style of play he is. He loves the player that he is. But... and He's been a little bit unfortunate. He's been unfortunate with injuries so since his time at Manchester United. I see Garnaccio starting, but I would see Mount on the bench and probably be brought on after the hour mark, just so he can build some fitness.
00:25:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Amarim would realise that maybe it's a bit too early to start Mount. Maybe one eye on the final and see where we go from there. So for me, it'll probably be Fernandes and Garnaccio.
00:25:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then, well, we've only got one registered senior striker with Obi not even registered for the Europa League. Take it away, Tom.
00:25:23
Tom Cairns
Rasmus Hoyland.
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
What a shock. Nobody saw that coming. ah Yeah, I think it did he did okay in the last game. he I mean, he he managed to drag the defence out for, i think it was the Ugarte goal for um a couple of matches ago.
00:25:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Position-wise, he's great. And if... If the sort of balls that Carnacho was were delivering in the second half against Brentford could could fall to Hoyland, he'll get a goal.
00:25:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, I'm going to make a statement here. I'm going to say in a low-stakes game, hopefully low-stakes game, Hoyland's going to score. There, I've said it.
00:26:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:26:04
Tom Cairns
Well, he doesn't he doesn't have too bad of a goal-scoring record in the Europa League this season, think of it, or in Europe altogether.
00:26:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:26:10
Tom Cairns
So if there's a night where United can of afford to take a little bit more risk, Highland could well get on the end of something in the Palencia area. Let's hope.
00:26:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's hope so. Yeah, five goals he's got in the Europa League from 13 matches played. So not the worst return, but hopefully a little bit better. Hopefully he can press on, get a couple more goals for tonight.
00:26:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So there have it then. There's our predicted 11. Pretty much the same all the way through. Two or three changes. um A bit of a debate where Maserawi starts, but we'll see on that one. The only thing that's left, Tom, is a score prediction. And of course, what's the aggregate score going to be?
00:26:49
Tom Cairns
Do we score in the match?
00:26:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
you'd You'd be a pessimist to say no, as am I. I i think i think we will. ah Part of me is thinking we're probably going to lose on the night, but it's going to be like 2-1 to Athletic Club. I think Athletic will scare us.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then, as you say, they'll be pushing forward for that third goal, leave themselves open, and someone like Hoyland comes up with 85th minute and it just... Shell shocks them.
00:27:19
Tom Cairns
Well,
00:27:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hate to think like a pessimist, but it's ah just like last week. I'm going to say it's going to be a tough game.
00:27:27
Tom Cairns
it's easy enough for us to predict, but it's just when you're watching it on the pitch, they can all of a sudden just change the way they play or change the desire. I think it'll be to Manchester United on the night and a 5-1 aggregate win.
Final Predictions and Listener Engagement
00:27:41
Tom Cairns
I think, like you say, I think Hoyland will get a goal. And I think Bruno Fernandes may well get another penalty and score from it.
00:27:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, very nice. Very nice. Lovely prediction. So we've got Bruno Fernandes scoring a penalty from Tom. We've got Hoyland scoring a goal, any goal from me.
00:27:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Put him on the penalty. There you That'll that' will satisfy me.
00:28:00
Tom Cairns
even Even if it's a tapping from two yards, I couldn't care less.
00:28:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
as long as we get through. Well, there you go then. a win predicted for Tom on the night and on aggregate. A loss for me on the night, but a win overall like on aggregate. And it wouldn't be ah wouldt be an undeserved route to the final if that were the case. And let's hope that is the case. Tom, thank you so much for joining me on today's episode.
00:28:21
Tom Cairns
Thank you very much. And hopefully by the time the match is over, we'll be heading back to the Estadio San Mames for the Europa League final in less than a fortnight.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, let's fingers crossed, Dave. Fingers crossed. Well, thank you so much for joining us on today's episode here of the Daily Manchester United. If you do want to follow us on all the social media and start a conversation on Twitter, on X, on Instagram, on Facebook and on TikTok, it's at GSPNManUnited on all of those platforms.
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if you're listening on Spotify or on Apple and think, you know what, I'd actually rather watch these episodes, I've got some good news for you. You can now. We have a YouTube channel. It's GSPN Daily Manchester United Podcast. It's so long, so you can remember it.
00:29:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
You will remember it. And you can watch the episodes there. All of the episodes live and free for you to explore. In the meantime, though, thank you so much for listening and watching if you're on YouTube. We'll speak to you after the match and shortly after the match, where this time I'm going cross my fingers and hope that Manchester United to get their way through and we get a podcast delivered to you on the Thursday night. In the meantime, take care of yourselves.
00:29:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll see you after the match.