Christian Eriksen has revealed one key moment that is giving Manchester United confidence ahead of their Europa League semi-final tie with Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester United have been far from pleasing this season and the Europa League has become the club’s primary focus — offering a realistic opportunity for silverware and a route back into the Champions League next term.
United remain the only side unbeaten in this season’s European competitions, having dispatched both Real Sociedad and Lyon to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Their next challenge comes in the form of Athletic Bilbao — arguably their toughest opponent so far. The Spanish outfit, currently fourth in La Liga, combine tactical discipline with attacking flair and will pose a serious threat.
The first leg will be played on Spanish soil later this week, with the decisive return leg to follow at Old Trafford the following Thursday.
Eriksen reveals key moment that gives United confidence vs Bilbao
United are heading into this semi-final after producing one of the most spectacular quarter-final wins in recent memory against Lyon.
Amorim’s side scored three goals in the final minutes of added time to completely turn the game around after it seemed like they let the win slip from their grasp beforehand.
Christian Eriksen came off the bench in that iconic clash and believes that the dramatic victory will give United more confidence heading into the two games against Athletic Bilbao.
“Yeah, I think overall our season has been a lot like… anything can happen in the games and more or not it’s been ups and downs this season,” he told club media.
“But obviously that Lyon game is giving us a good boost going into the semis. We know it’s going to be two very tough games against Bilbao.
“But yeah, I think we’re going into the game confident, and that’s what you get from winning a last-minute goal, then you get that extra confidence going into the semis.”
United should have Europa League confidence
United’s current team have no reason to not have confidence heading into this semi-final clash against Bilbao. Despite their dire Premier League form, the Reds have been solid in Europe and remain unbeaten.
Amorim has explained that his side are able to play differently than they do in the league since the Europa League is not as physically demanding.
That has been evident in many of the games and while Bilbao are a tougher opposition, United will still get chances in these games.
Ultimately, it feels like the tie will be decided by United’s finishing in the final third. If they can show some ruthlessness in front of goal, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be heading for the final.
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