Having mounted an incredible comeback to eliminate Lyon in the quarter-finals, Manchester United may believe they are destined for the Europa League trophy, as they seek to salvage their disappointing season.

Level at 2-2 after a thrilling first leg in France, United took a 4-2 aggregate lead at Old Trafford before Paulo Fonseca's team responded with four straight goals. The first two forced extra time, putting 10-man Lyon on the brink of victory, but that set up a dramatic finish: United scored three times in the last six minutes via Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to advance 7-6 on aggregate.

Previously, the English giants progressed smoothly through the league phase, averaging two goals per game while finishing third, before comfortably defeating Real Sociedad in the last 16.

Europa League champions eight years ago, they have won 14 of their last 15 two-legged ties in the competition, and despite domestic struggles, Ruben Amorim remains unbeaten in eight continental matches as United's head coach.

Indeed, his team is the only one with an undefeated record in Europe this season, having scored 28 goals. They have also recorded the most shots (222) and touches in the opposition area (458) of any side in UEFA's second-tier tournament.

Given their poor standing in the Premier League table—only Rasmus Hojlund's late goal against Bournemouth prevented another loss last weekend—success in the Europa League could secure a backdoor entry to next season's Champions League.

However, history indicates challenges ahead against Athletic Bilbao and reaching the final: United have lost three of their four previous encounters, with their only win dating back to February 1957.

This marks the teams' first meeting since the 2011-12 Europa League last 16, when Marcelo Bielsa's Athletic Club won both legs and advanced to that season's final.

While Manchester United prepare for their 18th European semi-final, Athletic have reached just their third: though they advanced from the previous two in 1977 and 2012, the Basque side finished as runners-up each time.

They now aim to make history by adding to last year's Copa del Rey triumph with more silverware, especially as the final will be at San Mames.

Finishing one point and one place above United in the league phase, Ernesto Valverde's team advanced by beating Roma and Rangers. They overcame a first-leg loss with a 3-1 home win against the Italians, then secured a 2-0 second-leg victory over Rangers after a goalless draw in Glasgow, thanks to goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams.

Along the way, Athletic have won all six of their home Europa League matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.

Fifth in La Liga last season, they are on course for a top-four finish this term: their recent victory over Las Palmas kept them ahead of rivals Villarreal and Real Betis with five games left.

With the weekend off due to the Spanish cup final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Valverde's side looks to capitalize on extra rest and home advantage.

Between Thursday's match and the return leg at Old Trafford comes a derby against local rivals Real Sociedad—whom United defeated earlier this season—making for a pivotal week.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund