MAN UNITED BANK ON FANS FOR FINAL PUSH
London, May 10: Ander Herrera wants Manchester United’s supporters to turn Old Trafford into a cauldron when his side look to complete victory over Celta Vigo in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final return leg.
Marcus Rashford’s sweet second-half free-kick brought United a 1-0 win in last week’s first leg, putting Jose Mourinho’s side within touching distance of the final in Stockholm on May 24.
But although United have gone 17 European home games without defeat, Celta have scored in all six of their Europa League away matches this season and Herrera says everyone in United red will have to be on their game.
“They have scored away in every game they’ve played in the competition so we have to be aware of that,” the Spanish midfielder said.
“I tell them (the fans) we really need them to create a good atmosphere, a difficult atmosphere for the opponents, who can push us to be in the final.”
While success in Europe’s second-tier competition will complete United’s collection of trophies, what motivates them above all is the place in next season’s Champions League that Europa League success will yield.
Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Antonio Valencia, Paul Pogba and Rashford are among the players expected to return for United on Thursday.
Celta need not look far for inspiration, having overcome a 1-0 home defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk to prevail 2-1 on aggregate in the last 32.
They can also call upon cup pedigree that saw them overcome Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in this season’s Copa del Rey.
Peter Bosz’s dazzling young Ajax team are likely to be awaiting the victors in the final, having beaten Lyon 4-1 in the home leg of their semi-final.