Paul Scholes has offered Manchester United stars a key piece of advice for when Manchester United face Athletic Club next Thursday evening.
Manchester United have taken a giant leap towards the Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao, as Rúben Amorim’s side delivered a ruthless and professional display in the first leg of their semi-final.
The game started with early drama as Alejandro Garnacho found the net, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside. United soon found their breakthrough though, with Casemiro slotting home after Harry Maguire’s excellent work on the right.
Minutes later, Rasmus Højlund won a penalty following a foul by Dani Vivian, who was shown a red card. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot and added a second just before the break to put United in complete control.
Athletic Club tried to rally in the second half, but United remained organised and disciplined, seeing out the game with authority and leaving Spain with a superb result ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.
Scholes advice to United for the second leg
United will welcome the Spanish side back to Old Trafford on Thursday, 8 May with the aim of protecting the 3-0 lead to advance to the Europa League final.
United legendary midfielder Paul Scholes, who is well-versed in the art of securing and holding leads during important European semi-finals, has issued his advice to the United players who will line up for the second leg.
“Keep the ball out there, don’t give them a sniff of it,” the former midfielder said. “3-0 should be enough. Four or Five (goals) great, perfect, you’re still going to go through, but 3-0 away from home (is enough).
“Just keep the ball away from them. Don’t give them a sniff, don’t give them a sniff, don’t give them a kick of the football.”
Athletic Club have nothing to lose
After the 3-0 loss to United in the first leg, Athletic Club face a huge challenge. The result leaves them with a mountain to climb, but also means they have nothing to lose when they head to Old Trafford next Thursday.
With the pressure on United to finish the job, Athletic can play with freedom and take more risks. If they score early, they could change the mood in the stadium and put doubt in their opponents’ minds, and their free-spirited approach to the game could be cause for concern for Amorim.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are known for their energy and pressing, and they’ll need to attack from the start. At the same time, they must be careful not to concede and make the task even harder.
It won’t be easy, but Athletic have surprised teams before. With belief and bravery, they’ll hope to make it a night to remember in Manchester.
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