The white criss-cross facade of the Estadio San Mames shimmered in the spring sunshine on Wednesday. On one side of the ground, the Nervion River flowed past on its way to the Bay of Biscay. On the other, the tree trunks in Errukiaren Park were wrapped in tapestries woven in the red and white stripes of Athletic Bilbao.
It’s where Manchester United face the pride and passion of the Basque Country in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final this evening, and where they hope to return for the final next month.
Standing in their way are an Athletic team equally determined to win the first European trophy in the club’s history at their home ground, and one of Spain’s most exciting talents in Nico Williams who was singled out as ‘a special player’ by Ruben Amorim when United arrived here on Wednesday night.