Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt ruled out of UEFA Europa League showdown with Athletic Club at Old Trafford

Manchester United will aim to reach the UEFA Europa League final when they take on Athletic Club on Thursday, with The Reds having a 3-0 lead from the first leg of their semi-final. But United will have to finish the job without defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has been ruled out of the game with injury. The semi-final second leg at Old Trafford is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out of Manchester United's crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club.

The Dutch defender limped off during the first half of United's Premier League defeat at Brentford on Sunday, following a collision with Bryan Mbeumo.

De Ligt was absent from training on Wednesday, and Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the player would miss Thursday's Europa League game, along with this weekend's league match at home to West Ham.

Premier League

Carrick lauds 'fantastic' youngsters after Man Utd thrash Rosenborg

24/07/2026 at 22:00

Despite De Ligt now missing the next two games, the United manager played down the muscular injury when talking to reporters.

"It's not a big issue, that's a good thing," Amorim said. "He can't play tomorrow or Sunday but then we will check day by day."

Amorim also confirmed that defender Ayden Heaven and midfielder Toby Collyer were unavailable for the match.

• What is Arsenal's away record in France ahead of crunch PSG showdown?
• Liverpool ‘just getting started’ after Premier League triumph - Mac Allister

United had a dream night in Bilbao last week as they won 3-0 in the first leg of the semi-final.

All the goals came in the first half, with Casemiro putting United in front and then Bruno Fernandes netting twice, with one from the penalty spot.

Now they will aim to complete the job at Old Trafford - and reach the final in Bilbao - in a game that will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'You have to go and win it' - Pressure on both United and Spurs in potential 'amazing' final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Athletic have suffered their own triple injury blow ahead of the game, as they target a recovery to make the final in their own city.

Both Nico and Inaki Williams have been ruled out, while Athletic are also without top scorer Oihan Sancet.

Asked about the Athletic injuries, Amorim said: "It doesn't matter. For us, it doesn't matter. We need to go to the game.

"It is a final for us and we need to go to it to win the game."

---

Watch and stream the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Camavinga in Man Utd sights as Real open to Tchouameni sale - Paper Round

24/07/2026 at 07:14

Transfers

Chelsea could thwart United with Kone bid, Szoboszlai future decided - Euro Transfer News

16/07/2026 at 17:14