Coach Amorim warns Man Utd players ahead of Europa League clash

(Dan Tri) - Coach Ruben Amorim said that Man Utd players cannot be complacent against Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final on the morning of May 9, despite winning 3-0 in the first leg.

Man Utd are holding a big advantage when leading Athletic Bilbao by 3 goals at San Mames. The "Red Devils" are almost in the final, but the Portuguese coach still told the players not to be subjective in the rematch at Old Trafford on May 9.

Coach Amorim asked Man Utd players to maintain their competitive spirit in the Europa League (Photo: Getty).

"Man Utd need to keep up the good work to reach the Europa League final. The advantage against Bilbao in the first leg means nothing if you play badly. One goal can change everything, from the game to the spirit. We need to be ready for the game and win.

Forget about the 3-goal difference. Man Utd must beat Bilbao and end the 90 minutes with a victory," coach Amorim shared before the match.

Athletic Bilbao will be without key trio Nico Williams and Inaki Williams, along with top striker Oihan Sancet, due to injury. However, coach Amorim believes the Basque side will still be able to pose a threat to goalkeeper Arne Onana.

"For us, Bilbao are still very strong and dangerous no matter what team they bring here. I understand that it is difficult without key players, but we need to play as if we are playing a final and will try to win.

In the first leg, we lost the ball too much and created chances for them in the early stages. I pointed out the problems to the players and the team is ready to fix them in the upcoming return leg.

Sometimes in a game we play well, but one moment can make things difficult. Man Utd cannot allow ourselves to be passive. However, we are improving, more confident and ready to face this challenge," said coach Amorim.

Coach Amorim created a cheerful atmosphere during the training session before the decisive match with Athletic Bilbao (Photo: Getty).

Coach Amorim will be without centre-back Matthijs de Ligt after the Dutchman suffered an injury in the 4-3 defeat to Brentford on May 4.

In addition, the 40-year-old strategist also affirmed that the "Red Devils" will do everything to keep the most important player in the squad, Bruno Fernandes, amid rumors that he will move to the Saudi Pro League in recent days.

"I think the transfer speculation is understandable, not only because of the numbers but also because of the way he plays," added coach Amorim.

This season, Bruno Fernandes has scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 52 matches in all competitions for Man Utd. He is one of the key factors helping Man Utd remain unbeaten in the Europa League up to now.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/hlv-amorim-canh-bao-cau-thu-man-utd-truoc-tran-quyet-dau-o-europa-league-20250508112357311.htm