Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United’s Premier League preparations come to a climax on Sunday when Erik Ten Hag’s title hopefuls take on La Liga side Athletic Bilbao.
The Red Devils haven’t been in the best of form pre-season, coming into the game on the back of Club Friendly losses to Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, and a match against Ernesto Valverde’s Bilbao gives them a chance to put a few things right. But the boss still has a lot of work to do off the field as he tries to strengthen his squad in time for the rigours of the toughest league in the world.
Bilbao to come into the game on the back of a friendly loss, 3-2 to Scottish club Glasgow Celtic and they will approach this game as a chance to get competition ready too.
It all adds up to a fascinating outing in Ireland.
Talking Points
Manchester turn to an old friend
Ten Hag is a busy man at the moment, still trying to bring bodies in, but the Red Devils have brought an old face back to the club, as centre back Jonny Evans has returned to Old Trafford after an eight years absence, during which he has been a defensive rock for both West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. Following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship he returned to train with the Red Devils at Carrington and now the 35 year old has been offered a one year deal, after impressing during the pre-season.
He has a wealth of experience and Evans is a fine mentor for United’s younger centre backs, having come through the Red Devils academy before making 198 appearances for the first team.
With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming the first choice defensive partnership the return of Evans must surely mean the departure of Harry Maguire.
Ten Hag has already brought in keeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan and is closing in on Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, and the Red Devils have now joined the race to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. Liverpool have been in pole position to sign the 19 year old and Pool boss Jurgen Klopp has already seen two bids turned down, and the Saints are asking around £50m for their star.
The Premier League 2023 betting odds back the Red Devils for a Champions League place and if Ten Hag brings in these two, alongside Onana and Evans then that will be well within their reach.
United old boy is Bilbao’s midfield general
Ander Hererra returned to Athletic Club in January after a stint with Paris Saint-Germain, but he will be remembered by Manchester United fans for his five seasons at Old Trafford where he made 132 appearances, scoring 12 goals. He wasn’t loved by all the Manchester United faithful, but Hererra had a lot of admirers for his all action displays. His tough tackling and willing support of the United attack drew comparisons with the legendary Paul Scholes and that is some accolade. Herarra’s careful use of the ball, assured passing and tactical nous make him a superb all round midfielder and he will be keen to impress against his old mates. He moved to Manchester from Athletic Bilbao in 2014 and now Herrera is back where he started.
Bilbao have a strong squad, with brothers Inaki and Nico Williams in attack alongside the experienced Iker Munain and they have Spain keeper Unai Simon in the nets; though they start life without talismanic centre back Inigo Martinez who has made the switch to Barcelona.
Bilbao ended the 2022/23 campaign with a run of disappointing La Liga 2023 results, which left them without European football, and Valverde will see that as a chance to climb the table this time around.
History
We all know about Manchester United’s illustrious history with 20 league wins and 12 FA Cup triumphs but Athletic Club too have a proud heritage.
The Basque club are eight times La Liga winners and have won the Copa del Rey a staggering 23 times, though they have failed to win either of Spain’s big domestic prizes since they did the league and cup double in 1984; though they have won the SuperCopa de Espana twice recently, in 2015 and 2021.
Prediction
The league action is inching closer and, here at SBOTOP, we’re ready to bring you the best range of Asian Handicap Betting odds as well as previews, updates and stats.
In the meantime what do we make of this match? We have two teams not yet ready for the restart but working hard to get match fit and I think we’ll see a very competitive game. I have a feeling the Red Devils will get a morale boosting win, while Bilbao will also get on the score sheet.
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