Andy Cole has named his ‘favourite’ to win the Europa League as his former side Manchester United prepare for their semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao.
United booked their spot in the final four with a remarkable comeback victory over Lyon at Old Trafford earlier in April.
The Red Devils seemed destined for a shock exit in extra-time before late goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire secured a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win.
Ruben Amorim’s side, who drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the weekend, still languish 14th in the Premier League and will need to win the Europa League if they hope to play European football next season.
But Cole believes the Red Devils will have their work cut out for them in the semi-finals as they face an Athletic side who finished second in the league phase before knocking out Roma and Rangers to reach the final four.
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‘Tough game. It’s going to be a really tough game,’ Cole said, speaking to OLBG.com.
‘Going away the first leg, if you can come back with a draw, you’ll be more than happy with that.
‘They got away with a draw at the weekend against Bournemouth and didn’t play particularly well.
‘If you can get a draw away from home and then take it back to Old Trafford, anything is possible!’
Asked who he thinks are the favourites to win the entire competition, Cole replied: ‘We all know Athletic Bilbao are the favourites and they’re possibly the best team Manchester United are going to face in the competition.
‘I think everyone knows it’s going to be a tough game, but you just never know what can happen.’
Premier League boss vows to help Athletic Bilbao
Athletic, meanwhile, have had an extra helping hand as Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola confirmed he will speak with the Spanish club to provide some tactical insight ahead of Thursday’s first leg.
Iraola played over 500 games for Athletic before he entered management and worked under current boss Ernesto Valverde in his previous spell in charge.
‘Yes, probably we will speak,’ Iraola confirmed. ‘We have a very good relationship.
‘He (Valverde) has probably been the most special coach I’ve ever had and I wish him the best.
‘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.
‘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.’
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