Manchester United head into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao knowing their season now hinges entirely on European success.
With one of their top scorers ruled out due to injury, and Ruben Amorim struggling to find consistency, the pressure is mounting ahead of the San Mames showdown.
Sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table with four games to go, winning the Europa League is United’s only realistic route into next season’s Champions League.
A feat that would be nothing short of miraculous.
But their task just got tougher.
Andoni Iraola to help Athletic Club beat Manchester United
As per The Sun, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is ready to offer his full support to Athletic Club and head coach Ernesto Valverde by sharing inside knowledge on United’s tactics, weaknesses and patterns of play.
Iraola, a boyhood Bilbao fan, played over 500 games for the LaLiga side.
He also captained them during their famous 2012 Europa League run.
A run which included a double over Sir Alex Ferguson’s United.
He also featured 156 times under Valverde and maintains a close relationship with the 61-year-old coach.
Valverde who is now in his third spell in charge at the club.
Asked about the possibility of acting as a ‘spy’ for his former boss, Iraola admitted:
“Yes, probably we will speak.
“We have a very good relationship.
“He has probably been the most special coach I’ve ever had and I wish him the best.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Iraola, whose side drew 1-1 with United on Sunday despite being down to ten men, added:
“We are very lucky, the Athletic Club supporters, to have him right now.
“I hope he goes all the way and wins it, because he fully deserves it.”
“I’m not going to hide it that I also want Athletic Club to win the Europa League. So definitely I will also support Athletic Club.”
Valverde’s men are eyeing the final, which will be played in their home stadium – San Mames on May 21.
Now, thanks to Iraola’s input, they could have an edge in their bid to end United’s European dream.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
