Ander Herrera picks who he wants to reach Europa League Final between Athletic Club and Manchester United

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Manchester United and Athletic Club star Ander Herrera has some thoughts on the match-up between the two teams.

When Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were defeated by Athletic Club in 2012, a young Ander Herrera was among the players on the visiting team.

United eventually signed Herrera in 2014, after a botched attempt a year earlier, and he went on to spend five years at Old Trafford.

Herrera was part of Manchester United’s Europa League winning squad in 2017, before joining Paris Saint-Germain, eventually re-signing with Athletic Club and more recently signing with Boca Juniors.

And with his two former teams up against each other in the Europa League semi-finals, Herrera has established his position.

Ander Herrera picks his preference

Manchester United are already 3-0 up in the tie after a sensational performance in the first leg in Spain.

This victory has put United with one foot in the Europa League final ahead of the second leg, and Herrera acknowledges the strong position his club are now in.

Speaking to AS, Herrera noted: “Manchester United are one of the favourites to win the competition.

“Since 2017, when I had the chance to win it, they haven’t been able to lift the trophy again and, without a doubt, they have a chance.”

Given the choice of his two former clubs, Herrera was very undiplomatic in terms of his preference, wishing success for Athletic Club.

He explained: “I hope Athletic reach the final. It will be a great match and, from Argentina, I am not going to miss it.”

Manchester United must maintain focus to win

Manchester United allowed a 3-0 lead to slip inside 45 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City a year ago.

And with this in mind, United cannot be complacent heading into the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.

There is a different head coach in charge at United now, and Ruben Amorim will be drilling into his players the need to keep focussed for the second leg.

You wouldn’t put anything past United, but with Athletic dealing with a suspension and a couple of injury issues, all the chips appear to be falling in our favour – unfortunately for Ander Herrera.