BILBAO, Spain -- Ruben Amorim has said that not even winning the Europa League will save Manchester United 's season. United face Athletic Club in the semifinal first leg on Thursday with a place in next month's final -- also being held in Bilbao -- on the line.

Winning the Europa League may not save Manchester United's season, but it could still be key to the club's immediate future, both on and off the pitch, manager Ruben Amorim said ahead of Thursday's semi-final clash at Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic will host the Europa League final later on May 21 and are dreaming of winning a first European trophy at their home stadium in San Mames. With Spain star Nico Williams in their attack and Athletic enjoying a good season in LaLiga, sitting fourth under Ernesto Valverde, the hosts look favourites to win the competition.