Don't know if anyone watched the man utd vs Bilbao match last night but i have to say i was a little taken aback by how well bilbao played. I have seen them quite a few times this season but did not expect them to produce that type of performance, every single player was composed on the ball and united could not get near them. If it had not been for de gea then the scoreline could have been alot worse. Considering aswell that they only sign basque players, or players from a basque heritage they are doing remarkabely well in la liga too. Llorente and munian were the stand out players although i assume that in the summer there will be interest in them from the likes of man city and real etc. But players like herrera martinez susaeta and de marcos all looked very good, maybe a look at one or two of them would not be a ban shout and i would not be surprised if united get thumped in the away leg as the san meme is seen as a cauldron of sorts and even last night it was clear just how passionate the bilbao fans are as they put united's fans to shame.
I watched the last 25 minutes and i was very impressed with the way Athletic Bilbao played. They dominated Man U at Old Trafford and were really exciting to watch. What spoilt it for me was that foolish player that handballed for no reason and gifted Man U a goal. A few of their players were very good and Lorente was top quality. A lot of clubs will be after him this summer....
Manchester United clearly understimated a very good footballing side and still have a mountain to climb on last night's evidence. Still, I expect they will do it. Made for a very entertaining match last night - hope fior more in the second leg.
I refuse to watch Thur night football but it sounded like a good game - but do Man Utd really give a **** whether they're in this comp or not ? 'Arry did the right thing and threw the towel in before the knockout stage, SAF I'm sure is much more focussed on his title challenge...
I think the commentator summed up Man U, they've not really played well for sometime but manage to grind out results. They came up against a top quality side and had nowhere to hide and got beaten.
One of the commentators was AWFUL, not sure who it was but he said some ridiculous things. The game itself was fantastic - a great advert for the Europa League. Watched it at home with me Dad and really glad we did. Fantastic game.
You noticed that too!? I was trying to remember what he'd said. He said he wasn't offside because you had to be able to see fresh air betweent he defender and the attacker. That changes a few seasons ago mate!! If he's being paid as a commentator, he should at least know the current rules.
Bilbao played Man U off the park in the first half, how they were not 2 or 3 up I don't know. There is talk it was a weakened team, bollox ! Rooney, Giggs, Evra, De Gea, Park (who plays against the better teams) were all playing and Carrick and Nani came on. I don'[t see them beating Bilboa in Bilboa hehehehehee.
Estadio San Mames is apparently a difficult ground to go and win at. The atmosphere created there is amongst some of the best in Europe and is very intimidating. Even the likes of Barca and Madrid struggle there. Should be an interesting secong leg.
