Athletic Club manager says Man United are 'very good' in one area, names three players who could cause trouble

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has done his homework on Manchester United before Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash.

For Manchester United, the entire 2024/25 season hinges on winning the Europa League and securing a route back to Champions League football.

If Ruben Amorim falls short of those expectations, the season goes down as nothing but an utter disappointment.

A dramatic 5-4 win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals kept United’s hopes of European glory alive, but next up is an in-form Athletic Club side who will be desperate to reach the final as it is being played at their home ground, the San Mames.

Amorim has prepared to face Athletic Club and is aware of what his side must do to win on Thursday, and now Ernesto Valverde has pinpointed one of United’s biggest strengths.

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Ernesto Valverde wary of three Man United players in particular

Ahead of Thursday evening, Spanish media expects Valverde to go “all out” against United and look to build a goal advantage in the first leg.

However, Athletic Club will be without striker Oihan Sancet after his injury was worse than expected.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Valverde highlighted what he believes is one of United’s biggest strengths.

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As quoted by journalist Chris Wheeler, Valverde said: “There are many things we need to consider with United.

“They are very good at set-pieces with [Rasmus] Hojlund, [Harry] Maguire and [Matthijs] De Ligt if he plays, and shooters like Fernandes.

“They are a big team and have big capabilities. If you focus on one thing you forget about the others.”

Valverde believes United’s set piece threat is something that his side will have to be wary of on Thursday evening. De Ligt could return to the starting lineup following his injury absence, and his presence would increase United’s threat from set pieces.

Ruben Amorim initially struggled with set pieces at Man United

Hearing that Manchester United are “very good” at set pieces might have raised a few eyebrows among the fanbase given how vulnerable the Red Devils have been from them this season.

When he first arrived, Amorim urged United to improve at set pieces after conceding two of them against Arsenal.

It seemed a lack of time on the training pitch over the busy winter period contributed to United’s set piece struggles, as things quickly picked up after Amorim had time to work with the squad.

READ MORE: Christian Eriksen and Ander Herrera warn Man United about ‘key’ Athletic Club duo ahead of Europa League clash

Now, it seems Amorim’s set pieces have become a strength. Towards the end of February, United scored three set-piece goals in a single game against Ipswich Town.

Amorim wants more physicality in his United side, and perhaps that is the route to success on Thursday, especially if the trio of Maguire, Hojlund and De Ligt are all available to start.

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