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Athletic Club forward Nico Williams has admitted that every child dreams of one day playing at Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford home, ahead of the Europa League semi-final tie between the two sides.
United booked their spot in the final four after a dramatic comeback on Thursday against Olympique Lyonnais.
Seemingly down and out in extra time of the second leg, United pulled off a stunning turnaround, keeping their season alive with a dramatic six-minute blitz that saw them net three goals in jaw-dropping, last-gasp scenes.
After Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and Kobbie Mainoo found the net to level a 4-2 deficit, Harry Maguire rose highest in injury time to head home the winner, lifting the roof off Old Trafford and sending United through to the semis.
United will come up against the dangerous Williams, who they’ve been linked to ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are expected to dip into the market for attacking reinforcements and Williams’ name has popped up as a player of interest.
He has been tipped to replace the outgoing Marcus Rashford. Rashford is currently on loan at Aston Villa and may join them permanently at the end of the season for £40m. If Villa don’t exercise their option to sign Rashford on a permanent transfer, United are planning to loan out the England international once again next season.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United will do everything possible to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to Williams’ signature.
The 22-year-old spoke to Marca and talked about United and specifically about playing at Old Trafford.
He said, “Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford. We’ll try to put our best foot forward in the first leg at San Mamés to go there with determination and show what Athletic Bilbao is all about.”
“This tie will have no favourite. Manchester United is at the bottom of the league, but they made it clear against Olympique Lyonnais what they’re capable of with the way they handled the match.”
He added, “Hopefully we’ll reach the final, which is something the team is deserving of, and we’re happy. It’s the only objective we have, and it’s something we’ve always thought about. We want to do much more than just reach the final.”
Williams describing Old Trafford as a dream will undoubtedly encourage United if they intend to press forward with their attempts to sign him this summer.
It has been claimed that the Spaniard has a £49m release clause in his contract, which expires in 2027.
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