'Take a risk' - Ruben Amorim might give away his Manchester United starting XI for Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United have been aware that it is Bilbao or bust for the last few months now.

The Europa League final will be held at the Estadio de San Mames on May 21 and winning the competition is the only way for Ruben Amorim to salvage a truly miserable campaign.

Estadio de San Mames is the home to Athletic Bilbao, who have the added incentive of playing a European final at home. United supporters have PTSD from playing Spanish sides over the years in the Europa League and Champions League, and Bilbao could be the latest Spaniards to knock the Reds out.

Bilbao did not have a game this weekend and will have extra time to prepare for United, who will have just four days to recover after playing Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Amorim will pick his starting team with Bilbao at the forefront of his mind, but he's more likely to pick an XI against Bournemouth that mirrors the team that will be named in Spain.

Although it's a fine line to walk, Amorim will start players on Sunday who will be in his XI on Thursday because they will need minutes in their legs and rhythm going into the clash.

Amorim doesn't want his players to be undercooked or feeling out of practice by the time they play in Bilbao. "The focus is we have to face it and we need to have that feeling every game here is important and we have to win every game, important not to lose," he said at his press conference.

"Of course, you see the context. We are going to face this game with the best team, we had a full week to prepare, some of the players didn’t play against Wolves so recover the players is not a bad thing. I will try to prepare for this game and try and win the next one."

About the Europa League, Amorim said: "It matters a lot, what I’m saying