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Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde has warned his players against four Manchester United players with the ability to change the game in a flash, as the two sides prepare to meet on Thursday at Estadio de San Mamés.
For United, all their eggs are in the Europa League basket, with the Premier League campaign now a complete write-off.
The Red Devils are languishing in 14th place in the table and a top-half finish is almost certainly out of reach. Winning the Europa League would not only see them clinch a trophy but also secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
However, Athletic stand in their way, and the Spanish side will be extra motivated with the added incentive of the final being held at their home ground.
Valverde spoke to the media on Wednesday and named Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes as players his side need to be wary of.
The Athletic club manager said [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “Man United are in a position in the Premier League which is unexpected. But we need to bear in mind we play one of the biggest teams in Europe.”
“They can win the Europa League in a minute. There are many things we need to consider with United. 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.”
“It is clear that it’s a very important match in the season and history of our club. We have the possibility to play the final in our stadium and that’s a driving force for us.”
He added, “10 bad minutes can knock you out and 10 good minutes can keep you alive – that’s what happened to United in the last round [against Lyon at Old Trafford].”
“These are one-time matches and you need to know how to play them. You need to be ready for any kind of situation.”
Athletic vs. United kicks off at 20:00 BST.
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