Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao: Live Score, Analysis, Recap
March 7, 2012Watch out. Sir Alex Ferguson is making up phrases now.
That can only mean one thing: A big game is coming.
Manchester United are set to host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night in the Europa League third round. Ahead of the match, Fergie has challenged his players to "waken up."
"It's a game we need to waken up in," said Ferguson.
"Some of our European performances this season have been disappointing.
"But this is an opportunity for us to progress and we need to take it.
"But we will need a very good performance. This Athletic Bilbao side is the best I've seen."
Well, that's debatable. Bilbao are currently fifth in the La Liga table.
Nonetheless, Ferguson probably has a point. Bilbao will present a stiff challenge for United, and we'll be here with live commentary for the whole thing.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Eastern. Live updates will start right here at 2:45. See you then.
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Lineups
Manchester United: David De Gea, Patrice Evra, Rafael, Jonathan Evans, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Ryan Giggs, Park Ji-Sung, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez.
Subs: Ben Amos, Rio Ferdinand, Fabio, Michael Carrick, Nani, Anderson, Danny Welbeck
Athletic Bilbao: Gorka Iraizoz, Andoni Iraola, Mikel San Jose, Jon Aurtenetxe, Javi Martinez, Susaeta, Ander Iturraspe, Ander Herrera, Fernando Llorente, Oscar, Muniaín.
Subs: Raúl, Lertxundi Del Campo Koikili, Borja Ekiza, David Lopez, Gaizka Toquero, Inigo Perez, Ibai Gomez
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Goals
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney (22', pen. 90')
Athletic Bilbao: Fernando Llorente (44'); Oscar De Marcos (72'); Iker Muniaín (90')