Valverde issues Athletic warning ahead of semis

ATHLETIC Club boss Ernesto Valverde has issued a warning to Manchester United ahead of their Europa League semi-final tie.

- By ISAAC SEELOCHAN

Ruben Amorim’s squad have shifted their focus away from domestic affairs.

Given their current 14th-place standing in the Premier League, which rules out European qualification through the league, the Europa League is United's sole opportunity to salvage a disappointing season.

A two-leg triumph over the Bilbao-based side would secure a spot in the final on May 21, where they would face either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt in Bilbao.

A win for Amorim’s side would then see them qualify for next season's Champions League.

But Valverde appears to like his side's chances of ruining United's bid for a return to Europe's elite competition.