Athletic Bilbao coach cautions against complacency over Man United’s league position

VIDEO SHOWS: ATHLETIC BILBAO COACH ERNESTO VALVERDE AND FORWARD NICO WILLIAMS SPEAKING ABOUT THEIR UPCOMING EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: BILBAO, SPAIN (APRIL 30, 2025) (UEFA - See restrictions before use)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO MANAGER ERNESTO VALVERDE, SAYING:

“Manchester (United) are currently in a league position that isn’t what was expected at the beginning of the season. Still, they have the possibility of qualifying for the Champions League, because they are regularly a Champions League team— by winning the Europa League if they manage to do so."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO MANAGER ERNESTO VALVERDE, SAYING:

"We’re playing against Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and with one of the strongest records in the Premier League. We know they’re capable of winning the Europa League in a split second. So we keep that in mind from the start. But at the same time, I don’t know who the favourite is—I’m not sure whether being the favourite is an advantage or not either."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO MANAGER ERNESTO VALVERDE, SAYING:

"They’re a very strong team on set pieces, with players like Højlund, Maguire, and possibly De Ligt if he plays, and then the way players like Bruno Fernandes put the ball. They have a lot of variety in their game—it’s not just about set pieces."

6. WHITE FLASH

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO FORWARD NICO WILLIAMS, SAYING:

"Big games are when big players step up. These are the kinds of matches we like to play. It’s a very demanding game. Every child dreams of playing at Old Trafford—or at least visiting it—and we’re really looking forward to tomorrow’s match and the return leg."

8. WHITE FLASH

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO FORWARD NICO WILLIAMS, SAYING:

"I don’t think there’s a clear favourite. Manchester (United) are a great team with top players like Bruno Fernandes. These are world-class players, and the result could go either way. We’re going to do everything we can to win. We’re focused and excited, just like the whole city."

10. WHITE FLASH

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ATHLETIC BILBAO FORWARD NICO WILLIAMS, SAYING:

"We know we need to get a result against a great team like United, who will press hard at their home ground. But we’re calm. We know that if we play the way we have in previous knockout rounds, things will go well. Hopefully, everyone will be fully focused—players and fans alike. We’re full of hope, as everyone knows, and rest assured we’ll leave everything on the pitch to reach that final at San Mames."

STORY: Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde on Wednesday (April 30) asked his players not to underestimate Manchester United based on their league position and brace for a tough Europa League game.

Anticipation keeps growing in the city of Bilbao in the north of Spain as the team gears up for one of its most important games of the season.

In a news conference previewing Thursday's (May 1) game, Valverde warned about the dangers that Manchester United can generate in set pieces, especially if centre-back Matthijs de Ligt returns to action.

Athletic forward Nico Williams spoke about his childhood dream of playing in Old Trafford and said the team needs to achieve a good result at San Mames to put pressure on United in the second leg.

(Production: Silvio Castellanos)