Manchester United have 'secret' weapon to give them biggest possible Europa League advantage

Manchester United know that they need everything to go right for them over the next week or so if they are to advance into this season's Europa League final.

Arguably, Athletic Bilbao are the biggest threat remaining in the competition, this term, considering their position in La Liga and their extra motivation to do well this season. The Athletic Club fanbase are determined to see their side advance to the showpiece, which will be hosted in their very own San Mames Stadium in the Basque Country.

United also have their own reasons for needing success in the Europa League. Qualification for the Champions League is impossible through their domestic finish, so European competition represents their only route back to the big time.

Considering the money that will be acquired through qualification to the Champions League, both clubs will be looking to secure any advantage at all to advance to the final. Thankfully for United, they already have one clear advantage for the second leg.

Having the return fixture at home represents a significant boost for United. In the quarter-finals, we saw how the Old Trafford crowd was able to roar them to victory and change the tie in their favour.

Ruben Amorim will be hoping the tie is less exciting this time around, but having that fail-safe of Old Trafford will be advantageous. Luckily for United, they also now have a "hidden" boost that will be even bigger than that.

On Wednesday morning, Amad and Matthijs de Ligt both returned to full training at Carrington ahead of tomorrow night's clash in San Mames. While the return of the Dutch defender is a big positive for Amorim considering the lack of defensive options, it is Amad's return that will be the biggest boost.

The Ivory Coast winger is