Back in training: De Ligt being prepared for crucial weeks ahead

Manchester United finds itself in one of the most turbulent periods of its recent history. With just a handful of matches remaining in the Premier League, the club languishes in 14th place an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position for one of England’s most storied institutions.

Poor form, inconsistency, and a string of injuries have derailed their domestic campaign, leaving them far adrift of the top four and out of the running for Champions League qualification via the league route. The pressure on the team, the staff, and particularly on manager Rúben Amorim, is mounting as expectations remain high despite the struggles.

Amid the chaos, the Europa League has become United's final lifeline. Winning the tournament not only brings silverware to a season that has sorely lacked success, but more importantly, it offers the last available ticket to the UEFA Champions League a competition that defines a club’s stature, revenue, and appeal to top players. For a club of Manchester United’s magnitude, missing out on Champions League football for a second consecutive season would be a major setback, both competitively and financially.

Their semi-final opponent, Athletic Bilbao, is a formidable challenge. The Spanish side has been enjoying a strong season in La Liga and plays with a clear identity, high energy, and impressive organization. While United is still considered a heavyweight on the European stage, their recent form suggests the tie will be anything but easy. Bilbao’s young, dynamic squad is known for their high pressing and swift attacking transitions, traits that could cause problems for a United side still searching for rhythm.

That’s why the return of key players such as Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo comes at a critical moment. De Ligt, a 25-year-old centre-back with 50 caps for the Netherlands, has been one of United’s most consistent performers when fit. Before suffering his injury in early April, he had started nine consecutive matches, anchoring a backline that has struggled with both injuries and inconsistency. His composure, leadership, and aerial strength bring a level of stability that United have sorely missed in recent weeks.

Diallo, on the other hand, adds flair and pace to the attack. The young winger had begun to show flashes of his talent before being sidelined, and his return could offer Amorim an alternative option in wide areas especially as Jadon Sancho and Antony have failed to consistently deliver. Diallo’s sharp dribbling and ability to stretch defences could prove useful against teams that sit deep or play with a compact shape, such as Bilbao.

However, the timing remains a concern. De Ligt is unlikely to feature in the first leg against Bilbao this Thursday, as he continues to build match fitness. English media reports suggest that his realistic return date is the league fixture against Brentford, which would put him in line to play a role in the decisive second leg of the Europa League semi-final. That return leg could define United’s season and possibly Rúben Amorim’s future at the club.

The Europa League final, set for May 21, is already shaping up to be a high-stakes clash. On the other side of the bracket, Tottenham Hotspur and Norwegian outfit FK Bodø/Glimt are fighting for a place in the showpiece event. Spurs will be favourites, but Bodø/Glimt have defied the odds before, famously knocking out European heavyweights in past campaigns with their relentless pressing and fearless style of play.

For Manchester United, every match from this point on carries enormous weight. The league may be a lost cause in terms of top-four ambitions, but avoiding an embarrassing finish in the bottom half remains a priority. More crucially, the Europa League presents a shot at redemption a way to turn a disastrous season into a successful one with just three more wins. The return of De Ligt and Diallo could be the difference between collapse and salvation.

Rúben Amorim, who took over under enormous pressure, now faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career. With his tactical acumen, man-management skills, and now the gradual return of his best players, he still has a narrow path toward glory. But the margins are razor-thin, and one poor result could send the club further into crisis. For now, all focus is on Thursday’s clash with Bilbao a match that could define Manchester United’s season, and perhaps its near future.