As Manchester United prepare to face Athletic Bilbao, this is a deep analysis into the Spanish side’s tactical framework with several exploitable weaknesses outlined. Yes, Bilbao are a disciplined and energetic side, but they’re not without their flaws so if United approach the game with strategic clarity, they can tilt the balance in their favour. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of where and how Reuben Amorim’s men can hurt them:
1. Predictable Wing-Play and Overdependence on Wide Men*l
Bilbao’s attack is heavily reliant on their wingers. In most matches, they prioritize shifting possession quickly to the flanks, targeting Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, or Álex Berenguer. This wide-oriented build-up makes their play predictable. Once this pattern is identified and neutralized, their offensive rhythm collapses.
They lack central penetration. Their midfielders rarely make incisive line-breaking passes through the middle, and they seldom carry the ball into dangerous central areas. This is why United should field a defensively intelligent wing-back like Luke Shaw on the left, not Dorgu. On the opposite side, Mazraoui would be ideal for his ability to press wide and recover quickly. If United can prevent crosses from these wide areas, they eliminate the core of Bilbao’s threat. Statistically, about 60 percent of Bilbao’s goal-scoring opportunities stem from wide deliveries. Shutting down the wings is equivalent to suffocating their primary oxygen supply.
2. Heavy Reliance on Crosses and Aerial Delivery:
Bilbao’s attack thrives on one major output from the flanks — crosses. This season alone, they have scored 11 goals from headers, most of them initiated from wide positions. However, United have conceded just 7 headed goals in the league, showing a relative strength in aerial duels.
Looking at their main striker Oihan Sancet or Guruzeta when Iñaki drifts wide, the numbers aren’t alarming. Guruzeta, for instance, has scored only 6 goals in 32 La Liga matches this season, with 3 of those being headers. This isn’t a terrifying return. In this area, a dominant aerial defender like Harry Maguire can be key to nullifying their set-piece and cross-based threats.
3. Limited Goal-Scoring Threat
Another major weakness is their relatively low goal tally. None of their attacking players have surpassed 7 league goals this season. Their strength lies more in their defensive resilience than attacking power. Even in Europe, the Williams brothers are their standout attackers, each with only 5 goals in the UEFA Europa League. That speaks volumes about their struggle to find the net consistently.
Furthermore, they do not take a high volume of shots per game. Their expected goals (xG) in several fixtures has been modest, which suggests United can afford to keep their defensive line compact and force Bilbao into taking low-percentage chances from difficult angles.
4. Aggressive High Press and Susceptibility to Transitions
Bilbao love to press. Their central midfielders are aggressive, often vacating their shape to push high and disrupt opposition buildup. They maintain a high defensive line and trust their back four to recover. While this gives them control against weaker teams, it creates dangerous gaps against sides that transition quickly.
This is where Bruno Fernandes becomes vital. His ability to play early vertical passes from deeper areas to runners like Garnacho or Rashford can be the key to unlocking Bilbao’s high line. United should look to lure Bilbao’s midfielders forward and then hit direct into the vacated spaces behind. Quick one-twos in transition and third-man runs will punish their overzealous pressing approach.
5. The Real Challenge: Breaking Down Their Rest Defence:
While their attack is flawed, Bilbao’s rest defence — the structure they maintain to prevent counters when they are in possession — is solid. Their defenders are positionally disciplined, and their fullbacks recover quickly. In settled phases, they are hard to break.
United must respond with technical precision. They need to overload the flanks, drag Bilbao’s fullbacks out of shape, and then exploit the half-spaces between the centre-backs and fullbacks. This is where intelligent movement from Højlund becomes essential. He must play off the shoulder, make diagonal runs, and create separation for midfield runners.
Short passing triangles around the edge of the box, third-man combinations, and delayed runs from midfield can unsettle Bilbao’s compact shape. Patience, sharp positional rotations, and relentless off-the-ball movement will be needed to carve them open.
So, if United stay sharp tactically, stay disciplined in wide containment, and strike with precision in transitions, Bilbao’s structure can be unraveled. The opportunity is there. The question is — will United take it?
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