Matthijs de Ligt’s first season at Manchester United was never going to be simple. Joining from Bayern Munich in a $53.5 million deal last summer, the Dutch defender was brought in to be a defensive anchor for a team in flux.

Manchester United have been handed a boost ahead of their Europa League semifinal against Athletic Club after Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt returned to training.

Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt trained on the eve of Manchester United’s crunch Europa League semi-final at Athletic Bilbao.Ruben Amorim’s men are preparing for Thursday’s first leg at San Mames, where the Red Devils hope to return for the May 21 showpiece against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.