Manchester United - Athletic Club U21
- 68' Scanlon
- 94' Biancheri
- Hierro 12'
LocationOld Trafford , Manchester
Cruel end to match at Old Trafford
Athletic put in a great performance against Manchester United in their Premier League International Cup opener, but an unfortunate last-minute goal consigned the Cubs to a losing start
Athletic opened their 2025/26 Premier League International Cup campaign with a defeat at Old Trafford that was as cruel as it was undeserved.
The Zurigorris, led by Jokin Aranbarri and made up of a mix of players from Basconia and Bilbao Athletic, put in a great performance to get underway in a competition where they got to the semi-finals last season.
A superb Asier Hierro free kick put the Lions ahead, and they could have sealed the win in the second half when Unax Urzaiz had a shot that grazed the post.
Manchester United reacted in the final stages. James Scanlon equalised in the 68th minute and Gabriele Biancheri made it 2-1 with the last kick of the game.
It was excessive punishment for Athletic, who showed character and quality on a prestigious stage.
