Premier League manager, 42, set to turn secret agent in bid to KO Man Utd’s Europa League hopes
ANDONI IRAOLA is turning secret agent to wreck Manchester United’s season.
The Bournemouth boss plans to phone Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, 61, and provide a spying report on Ruben Amorim’s team ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg.
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Ten-man Cherries came within minutes of beating United without Evanilson, who was sent off, on Sunday afternoon before Rasmus Hojlund’s injury-time leveler cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s opener.
And Iraola is ready to pass on some insider knowledge to his old boss Valverde in the coming days.
Iraola, 42, is a boyhood fan of Athletic and played more than 500 games for the Basque club — 156 of which came under Valverde.
Asked if he would be speaking to his old manager to share his insight on United, Iraola replied: “Yes, probably we will speak. We have a very good relationship.
“He has probably been the most special coach I’ve ever had and I wish him the best.”
Basque-born Iraola was also captain of Bilbao when they defeated United home and away en route to the Europa League final in 2012.
Valverde — now into his THIRD spell as manager of the LaLiga club — is held in high regard by Iraola, who rates the Spaniard above the much-admired Marcelo Bielsa when it comes to coaches with whom he has worked.
As such, Iraola is more than happy to hand over as much information as he can to help his former club and chief beat the Red Devils.
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Iraola added: “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.”
Valverde’s side is determined to go all the way in the Europa League this season as the final takes place in Bilbao’s San Mames on May 21.
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Man Utd player ratings vs Bournemouth
MANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.
Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.
Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.
Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.
So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.