Man United can do something Athletic Bilbao can't with huge boost ahead of Europa League tie

It's Europa League or bust for Manchester United and it has been for some time.

Last Thursday's comeback success against Lyon was a game that will never be forgotten and it set up a mouth-watering semi-final tie with Athletic Bilbao.

While United are desperate to win the Europa League to gain entry into next season's Champions League, their Spanish opponents have the added incentive of knowing a semi-final win would see them play in the final their city will host on May 21.

The prospect of lifting silverware is obviously another huge incentive for United, though it's qualification for the Champions League that could really accelerate plans as they look to fund a rebuild of their squad.

Bilbao aren't as reliant on Europa League glory when it comes to booking their place in next season's Champions League. The La Liga outfit are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight, five points ahead of Villarreal in fifth, though Villarreal do have a game in hand.

The La Liga battle for the Champions League qualification spots is set to go right to the wire and that should hand United an advantage in their clash with Bilbao.

United still have five games of their league season to play but said outings are little more than an inconvenience to Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has already confirmed he will look to rotate in a bid to keep his players fresh, with the Europa League now the clear priority for United this season.

The gap between Bilbao and Villarreal could be cut to two points should they lose to Las Palmas on Wednesday night and Villarreal beat Celta Vigo.

The two legs of the Europa League semi-final will be played either side of Bilbao's trip to Real Sociedad, a potentially pivotal game in their Champions League chase. United