Rasmus Højlund Favourite to Score First as Goal Markets Open for Semi-Final

Rasmus Højlund has emerged as the early front-runner in the first goalscorer betting for Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao, as bookmakers release a full set of player specials ahead of Thursday night.

The Danish striker is priced around 9/2 to break the deadlock, narrowly ahead of teammates Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, both at 11/2. Bilbao’s main attacking threat, Iñaki Williams, is slightly longer at 6/1 but is attracting significant interest from Spanish punters.

Højlund’s recent scoring form in Europe is driving the market. He has netted four times in his last five Europa League games, including crucial goals against Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a prime threat against Bilbao’s high line.

Paddy Power is offering enhanced odds for Højlund to score and United to win, boosted from 7/2 to 5/1. Betfred has also launched a bet builder feature that allows punters to combine anytime goalscorer picks with card and corner markets.

The anytime scorer odds suggest a game likely to feature a few goals. Fernandes and Nico Williams are both priced at around 3/1 to find the net at any time, while United centre-back Harry Maguire is a longshot option at 14/1 to score from a set-piece.

With both teams expected to attack on the flanks, there has also been interest in full-back markets, particularly yellow card specials. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bilbao’s Yuri Berchiche are both priced at 5/2 to be carded.

Goal markets will continue to shift as team news filters in closer to kick-off. Should either side rest players or alter shape, expect first goalscorer and BTTS (both teams to score) odds to react accordingly.

For now, Højlund leads the betting and looks set to carry the weight of United’s attacking hopes into Thursday’s first leg.