Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists his side must be ready to “suffer” despite holding a commanding 3-0 lead ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao.
United stunned the Spanish side with three first-half goals in last week’s first leg and return to Old Trafford with one foot in the final. But Amorim, whose team are struggling in 15th place in the Premier League, says complacency is not an option.
“We have to score to go to the next round,” Amorim told reporters. “We’ll treat it like any other game. We are ready to suffer if we have to, that’s what it takes to reach the final.”
United will be without centre-back Matthijs de Ligt after he picked up a knock in the 4-3 league defeat at Brentford. Amorim confirmed Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer are also unavailable.
Bilbao, meanwhile, arrive in Manchester missing key threats of their own. Nico and Inaki Williams, along with top scorer Oihan Sancet, have all been ruled out, further weakening their already slim hopes of a comeback.
Amorim also addressed recent speculation linking Bruno Fernandes with a move to Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the club’s desire to keep their talismanic captain.
“He’s a top player, the numbers speak for themselves,” Amorim said. “He’s our leader and we need players like him.”
United are aiming for their first European final since 2021, with the winners to face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.
