Manchester United will reach the Europa League final if they can keep Athletic Club quiet at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao last week, giving Ruben Amorim’s side a major advantage for the second leg.
However, Amorim insists the tie is not over with work still to be done for his players if they want to book their spot in the Europa League final.
Athletic Club have an injury-hit squad, but they will travel to Old Trafford intending to cause a major upset.
Amorim has done his homework on Athletic Club’s game plan, but another manager has now helped him by exposing Ernesto Valverde’s tactics.
Manager exposes Athletic Club tactics vs Man United
Athletic Club manager Valverde sent a warning to United about the semi-final clash, but his side had no answer for Amorim’s game plan last week.
Valverde was upset by the penalty decision given against his side in Spain, and now it’s his job to rally his players to try and produce a comeback.
Ahead of Thursday evening’s second leg, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has pointed out exactly how Athletic Club will play.
Speaking to The Athletic, Xavi said: “I think United are favourites with the second leg at Old Trafford. If the second leg was in Bilbao, it would be so difficult.
“They are like lions. Playing football in Bilbao is like being in the theatre, it’s like in England. There’s a respect for the opponent, for the referee.
“Bilbao is not like the rest of Spain. I have won games there with Barca and the home supporters have applauded. They have respect for the opponents.
“Valverde at Athletic, tactically, he’s doing so well. 4-4-2. They press with Sancet and a No 9, they block with the two midfielders working a lot – one jumps and another balances.”
Xavi was linked with being Man United manager
When Erik ten Hag was sacked by United, Xavi’s name immediately emerged as a potential candidate.
It was confirmed that United made contact with Xavi over the vacancy, and United fans wanted Xavi to replace Ten Hag.
Xavi has spoken highly of United as a club, both as a player and a manager, but ultimately Ineos decided it was Ruben Amorim who would take the hot seat at Old Trafford.
After three years as Barcelona manager, Xavi left the Spanish giants last year and he remains out of work now.
It seems the World Cup winner will have his eyes peeled on United’s semi-final second leg against Athletic Club on Thursday night, and his tactical analysis might just help Amorim get over the line.
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