Manchester United are preparing for the next round of the Europa League as they travel to Spain this week to take on Athletic Club.
After an insanely dramatic Quarter-Final against Lyon, with the match ending 2-2, only to finish 5-4 after extra time, United have take a step closer to the final with a lot riding on the tournament.
A victory in the Europa League final would bring about not only another piece of silverware for United, and Ruben Amorim’s first with the club, but also qualification to the Champions League next season.
Champions League football would offer the side an extra £100 million in revenue, help them avoid a £10 million penalty with sponsors Adidas, and put them on a level playing field with other clubs for summer transfer targets.
However, before Sir Jim Ratcliffe can dream of all this, United need to beat Athletic Club in a double header starting at San Mames.
Unfortunately, this fixture won’t bring back good memories for fans, as the LaLiga side beat United in the 2012 Europa League when they played at home.
Taking to Instagram, Athletic Club were keen to remind the their fans of the victory, posting a highlight video of the fixture, commenting: “We already know what it’s like to beat Manchester United in San Mames.
“The Lions surpassed [United] in 2012 with goals from [Fernando] Llorente and [Oscar] De Marcos.
“Let’s do it again on Thursday, Athletic!”
United will be hoping that this time round they can get the best of the LaLiga side giving them an advantage going into the home fixture a week later.
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