Bilbao coach praises MU.

Coach Ernesto Valverde highly regards Athletic Bilbao's next opponent in the Europa League semi-finals, Manchester United.

MU remains unbeaten in European competitions this season. Photo: Reuters .

In the early hours of April 18th, Bilbao secured a 2-0 victory against Rangers, thus booking their place in the Europa League semi-finals against Manchester United. Speaking after the match, coach Valverde said: "I've faced Manchester United at Old Trafford before. They are a team of Champions League caliber. We will have to be ready for a difficult match at Old Trafford."

Valverde previously managed Barcelona against Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the 2018/19 Champions League. After two legs, the Catalan team advanced to the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 4-0.

Historically, Bilbao have faced MU four times, winning three and losing one. In the 2011/12 season, the La Liga representatives defeated the "Red Devils" in both legs of the Europa League with a total score of 5-3.

Bilbao striker Nico Williams expressed his excitement upon learning their next opponent is Manchester United: "No team is considered stronger in this match. Manchester United may be in the middle of the league table, but they beat Lyon. That shows they have the strength and know how to handle matches. Any child would want to play at Old Trafford. Bilbao has won there before and made history."

On the opposing side, manager Ruben Amorim admitted that Manchester United would focus all their efforts on competing for the Europa League title. He said after the win against Lyon: "At Old Trafford, anything can happen; you can feel the passionate atmosphere. We are taking risks and will use young players from the Premier League. The whole team will concentrate on the Europa League."

The two Europa League semi-final matches will take place on May 1st and 8th. The winners of these matches will face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final.

Manchester United's two goals in the draw against Lyon: Leny Yoro and Zirkzee scored in the 2-2 draw between MU and Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals on the morning of April 11th.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-bilbao-khen-mu-post1546846.html