Manchester United huffed and puffed their way to a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in their Premier League game at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
Despite picking a strong team, the visitors struggled to deal with the home side’s pressing and fell behind to an early Antoine Semenyo goal.
And it looked like another defeat was on the cards until Evanilson’s red card in the 70th minute changed things. Rasmus Hojlund eventually popped up to score the equaliser in added time.
Ruben Amorim had hinted that both the Cherries and Athletic Bilbao, whom the Red Devils will face on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, have a similar style which would help United.
United struggled vs Cherries
Now, The Sun have revealed that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who was a cult figure at Bilbao, will pass on information to Ernesto Valverde to help the Basque side overcome the Old Trafford side in the semis.
“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.”
Iraola, who was captain when Athletic club beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in the same competition back in 2012, played under Valverde and made no secret of his desire to see the Spanish side win.
“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.
Iraola wants to help Bilbao
“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.”
Iraola definitely saw how easy it is to press the backline into committing errors while the frontmen of United are absolutely bereft of confidence as seen from Alejandro Garnacho’s misses and Hojlund’s anonymous display up till his goal.
With Chido Obi ineligible and Joshua Zirkzee and Amad sidelined, it will take a herculean effort from the 20-time English league champions to overcome a defensively-solid Athletic club at San Mames.
Amorim will hope his Danish striker can take confidence from his goal while other players like newly-returned Luke Shaw can step up in the absence of Diogo Dalot.
Feature image Dan Mullan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
