Ruben Amorim might have to make Manchester United sacrifice to stop Athletic Bilbao threat

Ruben Amorim named a stronger starting line-up than many Manchester United fans anticipated for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

After the likes of Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass were deployed from the start against Wolves seven days earlier, it was not beyond the realms of possibility that Amorim may have done the same on the south coast with half an eye on Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Instead, he selected an XI that could be reminiscent of the one that starts in the Basque Country. Of those who started on the bench against the Cherries, Manuel Ugarte is the only who is likely to start in Bilbao.

The Uruguayan, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain last August, stepped off the bench with 25 minutes to go at the Vitality Stadium, replacing Casemiro.

His cameo gave United a lift, with his passing crisp and accurate ahead of claiming the assist for Rasmus Hojlund's last-gasp equaliser. Ugarte's form has been on an upward trajectory since scoring the opening goal of United's dramatic victory over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals almost a fortnight ago.

United swooped for the 24-year-old last summer to strengthen their defensive-midfield options. They needed to sign a long-term replacement for Casemiro and had spent most of the summer locked in talks with PSG.

After a slow start to life in England, United started to see the best of Ugarte following the turn of the year. His performances became more commanding and United benefitted from his defensive nous in the engine room.

Following the FA Cup third round win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in January, Ugarte posted on his Instagram page: "When we have the ball, it's a game and when we don't, it's a fight.