Ander Herrera has already warned Rúben Amorim about the “key” to stopping Athletic Club as they face Manchester United in the Europa League.
Manchester United are currently preparing for their away leg against Athletic Bilbao. United have a poor record against Spanish sides, having won only 17 of 57 games since 2000, which sets this fixture up as a difficult one for Rúben Amorim.
This Europa League campaign is the club’s most important tournament in recent years, as it is their last chance to qualify for the Champions League. Champions League qualification will be crucial for the club in terms of attracting new players in the summer and for its financial stability.
Amorim has a difficult task ahead as Bilbao has been impressive throughout the competition, finishing second in the group stage. Bilbao will host the final regardless of who reaches it, but the idea of a home-field advantage in the final may add extra motivation for the Spanish side.
Now-former United midfielder Ander Herrera has warned of two Bilbao players who could pose a significant issue for United in this tricky fixture.
Herrera sends a warning about the Williams brothers
Herrera, who won the Europa League with United in 2017, has previously spoken to BBC Sport about the danger posed by the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, explaining that they are the “key” to Bilbao’s success.
“In terms of football, they are key,” says Herrera. “But on the personal side, they are fantastic guys, always positive, always smiling.”
The pair grew up together in Bilbao, following their parents’ extraordinary journey through the Sahara to Spain. However, due to the club’s recruitment traditions, they will also have a connection with their non-familial teammates that is stronger than most sides.
Bilbao predominantly recruits or signs players who have grown up or were born in the Basque region of Spain, meaning that the brothers will have grown up and played with their teammates for years.
Herrera went on to speak about his experience with the brothers during his time at the club, saying, “Even when they argue, which we have seen a few times, like a brother discussion, it is so funny for us and we love it”.
How the Williams brothers will be the “key” for Bilbao
The Williams brothers are likely to cause trouble for United over both legs. They have only started one game together out of Bilbao’s last five fixtures, but they both pose a threat as individuals. They have both scored five Europa League goals this season, the same as United’s top scorers Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes.
Inaki is the older of the two brothers and is firmly established as a Bilbao legend with the club’s ninth-most appearances and eleventh-most goals. Despite only scoring once in his last seven appearances, Inaki is not to be underestimated.
Playing primarily down the right-hand side, he is likely to face an only recently fit Luke Shaw or recent academy graduate Harry Amass. Both players are likely to have a challenging game against him.
Nico is eight years younger than his brother, but is no less dangerous. He has scored five goals in his last 10 appearances, and his form since the Euros has seen him linked with some of the top clubs around Europe, including United.
He can play off both wings, but features more often on the left, allowing Ernesto Valverde to play the brothers together. With Diogo Dalot out injured, it will likely fall to Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui to deal with the youngster.
The brothers will pose the biggest threat to the Spanish side, as this season’s top scorer, Oihan Sancet, will miss the game due to injury. Due to this, it appears likely that Manchester United’s full-backs will play a key role in the fixture, with the key role played by the Williams brothers essential to stopping if Amorim’s side is to succeed.
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