Sir Alex Ferguson is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with Marcelo Bielsa tonight as Manchester United take on Athletic Bilbao.
United are looking to reach the Europa League quarter finals but first have to get past Bilbao, starting with a first leg tie at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex will be taking nothing for granted though as he admits that this the best Bilbao team put together in a long time, a sentiment echoed in Spain and Europe.
Currently sitting a point off a Champions League place in La Liga, Bielsa has been credited with turning Bilbao’s fortunes around and Sir Alex has hailed his opponent ahead of tonight’s game:
“I admire his work because I see the emergence of a very good Bilbao side.
“They are very determined and organised, with a great belief in themselves. That is the hallmark of their coach. He has instilled these qualities in his team.
“We know how difficult a game it is going to be for us. This is the best Athletic team I have seen for some years.”
