Manchester United take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, following a dominant performance in Spain last week.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro handed United a significant advantage, as the hosts struggled to contain the pace and precision of Ruben Amorim’s side.
The Premier League side now stand just one game away from reaching the final, a semi-final second leg where Amorim’s side cannot show signs of complacency.
Athletic Club, however, remain extremely confident on staging a comeback.
Speaking ahead of the second leg, Spain international Nico Williams issued a bold statement of intent.
Nico Williams points out vulnerabilities within Ruben Amorim’s side
He has spoke on Bilbao’s fighting spirit and the possibility of turning things around.
“We weren’t very sharp, there’s no need to make excuses,” he admitted, as per Manchester Evening News.
“We’re 3-0 down, but we’re capable of overcoming that.
“We’ve already seen that Lyon gave them problems at home and we’re going to try and do the same.”
He continued: “The work of the entire season speaks for itself.
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“We’re in the final stretch of our dream.
“Our fans have always supported us and we’re going to give it our all.”
Athletic made several changes for their goalless draw with Real Sociedad at the weekend.
Meanwhile United rested key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Andre Onana in their dramatic 4-3 defeat at Brentford.
Daniel Vivian will miss the clash at Old Trafford through suspension.
While top scorer Oihan Sancet is facing a race against time to be fit.
Nico Williams also did not train on Monday, but Valverde remains hopeful of having both players available.
Williams’ pace and agility, should he feature, will be a huge test up against United’s defence.
