Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is preparing for a crucial Europa League semi-final against Manchester United.
Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 in a chaotic tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night to reach the Europa League semi-finals.
Standing in their way is La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao, who beat Rangers 2-0 in the previous round, despite a scoreless draw in the first-leg when the Scottish side were reduced to 10 men.
The Europa League presents United with their only route back into the Champions League. If Ruben Amorim’s side fails to win the competition outright, they won’t be competing in any UEFA competition next season due to their shortcomings domestically.
United are the only team unbeaten that remains in the Europa League this season. Fans will hope that it stands the team in good stead going into the semi-finals against the Basque side.
Nico Williams excited to play at Old Trafford
Athletic Bilbao talisman and World Cup-winner Nico Williams has revealed that he will fulfil a dream by playing at Old Trafford next month.
The 22-year-old winger was on the scoresheet on Thursday night as he helped his team beat Rangers 2-0 to book a semi-final tie with United.
Williams has 11 goals and seven assists to his name across all competitions this season and he will be aiming to add to that when he takes on United in the Europa League.
As one of the most exciting players in La Liga, Williams has been linked with moves to United in the past, although a deal has never materialised.
Reports suggest Williams could leave Bilbao in the summer, with a £49m release clause appealing to potential suitors. Now United have been given a boost over signing the winger after his interview with Marca following the victory over Rangers.
“Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford,” Williams said. “We’ll try to put our best foot forward in the first leg at San Mames to go there with determination and show what Athletic Bilbao is all about.
“This tie will have no favourite. Manchester United is at the bottom of the league, but they made it clear against Olympique Lyonnais what they’re capable of with the way they handled the match.”
Athletic Bilbao record vs Manchester United
Sitting fourth in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao have had a good season Ernesto Valverde, who believes United are a Champions League outfit in the wrong competition.
Bilbao will be looking to cause an upset in the Europa League when they take on United, although many see them as favourites to win the competition outright.
They are on an eight-game unbeaten run, winning four of those, and they will be looking to continue that form until they face United.
In the history of European football, Bilbao has faced United on four occasions, winning three times.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
United’s only win came at Old Trafford in 1957 when Dennis Viollet, Tommy Taylor and Johnny Berry all go on the scoresheet.
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