Manchester United has one last chance to give the fans something to cheer over by winning the Europa League this season.
But before the Red Devils start to think of the final, they first have to overcome favorites Athletic Bilbao in the semi -final.
There can be no underestimation of the importance of both legs, or the size of the task Ruben Amorim's side surface.
With more than seven days of rest after a weekend off, Bilbao dreams of the chance to play the final in their own backyard on 21 May.
And manager Ernesto Valverde revealed that his side is “confident” about ending the hope of United to secure Champions League football next season.
United can have the feeling that their name is already on the Europa League trophy after organizing an incredible comeback victory to defeat Lyon in the quarterfinals.
The effort is so high to enter the first semifinal in San Mames on Thursday evening, with United since 2000 won only 17 of the 57 games against the Spanish opposition.
And although Amorim's Sorry Lot remains the only unbeaten side in Europe in one way or another, the gloomy record of the club has not left much hope in recent years.
A victory on two legs could set up a final against Tottenham, which shines opposite Bodo in the other Semi.
But first, Sunsport looks a look into the three most important decisions that Amorim has to make straight to Bilbao.
Nico Williams isolate
It is fair to say that the name Nico William's fear causes even the bravest of Man Utd -fans.
The Old Trafford Faithful thought they were lucky when reports claimed that the Spanish miracle was wounded with a lies problem.
But the 22 -year -old – who scored five goals this season in the Europa League – was acquitted to play on Thursday.
Williams' biggest threat is his pace and ability to attack space when breaking the lines.
Valverde usually wants his 4-2-3-1 team to look for opportunities to get Williams isolated and in 1v1 situations against his full-back.
Because Amorim is devoted to his 3-4-2-1, he must find a way to prevent Williams from being isolated.
Amorim must get his defensive starting line-up well, otherwise William's riot can walk on his side of the field.
Bilbao plays narrow and high, with the intention of forcing the opposition to defend narrow, which in turn leaves room for Williams to be released behind.
With Diogo Dalot doubt after missing the 1-1 draw in Bournemouth on Sunday, Amorim can only really count on Noussair Mazraoui to start when the right wing.
The person who is chosen to face Williams may not be isolated in a 1V1 situation.
United cannot afford to defend Zonaal and must have a specific plan to ensure the threat that Williams can pose.
The left wing player led Spain to Glory at Euro 2024 and is connected to a move to Arsenal this summer.
What about the other Williams brother?
Nico's breakthrough has overshadowed that his older brother Inaki has long been one of the best attackers players in the Basque club.
His situation is somewhat different because he chose to represent Ghana at an international level in contrast to his happiness with Spain.
In previous seasons, Inaki played as a NO9, but this season he played more as the right wing player on the other side of his brother.
While Nico plays further on the left, Inaki positions itself closer to the NO10 and Striker.
While Nico drags players wide out, Inaki man will force UTD to defend narrow before he enters the opposition box.
Again, this means that United must be very careful who starts when the left -sided middle behind.
The most obvious answer would be to suggest that Amorim is starting a left -wing defender – and ideally also an experienced.
It would be a natural fit for Luke Shaw, who was demonstrably the best player in England in the Euro Final defeat against Spain.
But Shaw did not look at speed in his first start in more than 14 months in the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
Shaw-Die on the left side of the back started an unprecedented pass to Patrick Dorgu, who invited pressure in the structure of the opener of Antoine Semenyo.
But Shaw has ultimately become the game and his distribution and fresh crosses in the box offer what others in his position cannot.
Shaw can almost be too aggressive in jumps of high jumping and being looking to participate in the ball in half of the opposition.
In our opinion, Shaw is certainly the right option to tackle the threat of Inaki Williams in this game.
The issue will be the lack of coverage that Shaw will have if he is attracted and then quickly played out as Bilbao Vooruit and In the Room.
United needs Kobbie Mainoo in midfield
The return of Kobbie Mainoo from injury A few weeks ago came for United at a timely point in the season.
But Amorim should prevent the 20-year-old to be placed back as one of the two NO10s.
Mainoo flourished from a deeper midfield role last season and became a defensive staple for England after a lot of experimentation from Gareth Southgate last summer.
And he must start next to another midfielder for the back line against Bilbao for United to be successful.
That is because Bilbao is a highly team and are brilliant to prevent their opponents from playing out of their defensive thirds.
Because Casemiro is probably one of the midfielders in Spain, it is essential that Amorim also selects a midfielder who feels comfortable to take the ball while confronted with his own goal while he is under pressure from a midfielder of the opposition.
This is why Mainoo should be one of the two midfielders in that role for United.
The English young person is brave on the ball and willing to take passes when the game is tight around him.
This allows United to be more effective in playing by the third parties and building an attacking dominance when they are in possession.
Mainoo in midfield gives United an element of control that will be crucial if they go back to Old Trafford with a positive result.
Conclusion
United has to win this semi -final to have a sham this season.
The problem they have is that Bilbao is the best team that stays in it.
Their physical strength and the way they are committed to aggressively defending it makes it difficult to break them down.
And the threat of the Williams brothers means that you cannot afford to play too high and leave them room to attack.