Athletic Bilbao’s manager Ernesto Valverde has revealed his concern about four Manchester United players ahead of their Europa League clash this week.
Manchester United travel to Spain this week for the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim’s side remain the only unbeaten team in the competition after beating Lyon and Real Sociedad in the knockout rounds.
Bilbao present a very difficult opponent though, sitting fourth in La Liga with several dangerous players. However, United will feel that they can come out on top in this tie.
The first leg is away from home this Thursday before United host the Spaniards at Old Trafford next week.
Bilbao boss Valverde reveals concern about four United players
Speaking ahead of the first-leg clash, Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has been speaking about the English opposition and their potential threat.
The former Barcelona manager believes that his team will need to be aware of the different kind of problems United can cause them, including with their set-pieces.
Rasmus Højlund, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt were name-dropped as danger-men in those situations, while Valverde is also aware of the threat Bruno Fernandes possesses from range.
“There are many things we need to consider with United,” the 61-year-old told Spanish media ahead of the game.
“They are very good at set-pieces with Hojlund, Maguire and De Ligt if he plays, and shooters like Fernandes.
“They are a big team and have big capabilities. If you focus on one thing you forget about the others.”
United need to keep composure vs Bilbao
There is a lot of pressure on Amorim’s side in these upcoming games and we have seen the Reds falter under pressure too often in recent years.
United should feel confident heading into these games and are definitely capable of producing good enough performances to secure their place in the final.
But as we have seen, this team always seem to struggle after getting setbacks. It was especially evident against Lyon – conceding four goals in a row – despite the incredible comeback late on.
If this United side can keep their composure, there is no reason why they can’t be returning to Bilbao for a second time in late May to play in the final.
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