BREAKING NEWS ‼️: “Trust Me, Man United Can’t Beat Athletic Bilbao Unless Ruben Amorim Changes Those Two Things”: Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Names TWO Things Man United Must Change If They Really Want to Beat Athletic Bilbao
As Manchester United prepare to face a fiery and high-tempo Athletic Bilbao side, a wave of tactical pressure has descended on new manager Ruben Amorim. In a surprising and headline-grabbing intervention, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has openly commented on United’s recent performances—and he didn’t hold back.
“Trust me, Manchester United cannot beat Athletic Bilbao unless Ruben Amorim changes two key things in his setup. There’s no way they survive 90 minutes against that pressing machine otherwise,” Flick stated during a La Liga pre-match press conference when asked about Amorim’s arrival and United’s upcoming fixture.
His words have echoed loudly across both Spanish and English media, and with good reason: Flick is no stranger to tactical brilliance, having led Bayern Munich to a Champions League triumph and now rebuilding Barcelona with a clear, direct style of play. His insight into modern systems, particularly in high-pressure matches, is respected across Europe.
Now, let’s break down the two critical adjustments Flick believes Manchester United must make if they are serious about beating Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao.
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1. Midfield Structure and Ball Progression: “They have to stop isolating Kobbie Mainoo.”
The first issue Flick raised is a concern many pundits and former players have echoed—Manchester United’s dysfunctional midfield.
“Mainoo is talented, no question. But United play him like he’s already 28. He’s too isolated. He’s asked to be a destroyer, a creator, and a tempo controller all at once. That’s impossible at his age, and against Bilbao, it’s suicide,” Flick warned.
Athletic Bilbao are well-known for their relentless pressing, especially through the midfield channel. Valverde’s side swarm the central third of the pitch with aggressive duels, quick second-ball recoveries, and tight man-marking. If United rely solely on Mainoo to escape that press, they will get suffocated, as Flick clearly believes.
Flick’s advice to Amorim? Introduce a pivot partner who can handle first-phase build-up under pressure and allow Mainoo to operate slightly higher or wider. Someone like Christian Eriksen or a deep-lying version of Luke Shaw could help share the creative responsibility while also shielding the backline.
> “They need a double pivot, or a roaming full-back who can act as an auxiliary midfielder. If they want to play brave football, then fine—but bravery without structure leads to collapse,” Flick added.
This tactical suggestion aligns with Amorim’s reported admiration for hybrid midfield roles—as seen during his time at Sporting Lisbon. But so far, United under Amorim have shown rigidity in transition phases, and Bilbao are not the kind of opponent who will let that slide.
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2. Attacking Shape and Final Third Movement: “Maguire is not a striker. United need dynamism, not gimmicks.”
The second point from Hansi Flick was even more direct—and will likely cause waves among fans and pundits alike:
> “I’ve heard talk of Maguire as a striker. This is not Sunday League. United need verticality, not novelty. Bilbao’s backline is mobile and aggressive. A static presence up top will be a gift for them.”
Amorim’s rumored plan to trial Harry Maguire as a center-forward has been controversial. While Maguire’s aerial dominance and physicality could offer a Plan B, Flick believes that using him as a primary striker against a high-pressing side like Bilbao is a tactical error.
Instead, Flick insists that Amorim must prioritize mobility, off-the-ball movement, and quick one-touch play in the final third. Players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and even Facundo Pellistri can thrive against Bilbao’s high line—but only if the system allows them to make diagonal runs and exploit the space behind.
What United must avoid, according to Flick, is becoming predictable and flat in the final third—a mistake that has plagued them in recent seasons under multiple managers.
> “Bilbao press high but leave space behind. United must force those gaps open, not wait for crosses to a center-back-turned-striker,” Flick added, alluding to Maguire’s forward role. “Play quick, play wide, and attack the channels. That’s how you beat this Bilbao team. Not with stunts.”
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Amorim Under the Microscope: Will He Listen?
This unexpected guidance from Hansi Flick isn’t just a media soundbite—it’s a warning from one of Europe’s most tactically astute minds. For Ruben Amorim, who has only just begun his Premier League journey, the pressure to evolve quickly is now greater than ever.
United fans have welcomed his modern ideas and willingness to change, but questions linger about his in-game adaptability and team selection. Bilbao is no easy opponent—they are physical, well-drilled, and brimming with confidence after a solid La Liga campaign.
> “This is a test for Amorim—not just tactically, but in terms of leadership. Does he double down on his ideas, or does he adjust? That decision will shape not just the Bilbao match, but the perception of his entire tenure,” said a former United assistant coach speaking on Sky Sports.
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Tactical Adjustments: What Might Change?
Based on Flick’s recommendations, here’s how Amorim could adapt:
Possible Formation Change: 4-2-3-1 (From 3-4-3)
This would allow two holding midfielders, giving Mainoo support.
A back four adds stability against Bilbao’s quick transitions.
Possible Midfield Duo: Mainoo + Shaw/Eriksen
Mainoo can play with more freedom, while Shaw/Eriksen handles deeper build-up.
Attack: Rashford CF, Garnacho LW, Antony RW
Drop the Maguire striker experiment and return to a dynamic front three.
Use movement and pace to stretch Bilbao’s compact shape.
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Conclusion: The Right Warning at the Right Time?
Hansi Flick’s comments are not an attack—they are a tactical lifeline, shared publicly by one of Europe’s elite minds. Whether Ruben Amorim accepts this advice or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Manchester United cannot afford another confused performance.
The clash with Athletic Bilbao could be a turning point. Either Amorim embraces smart evolution and asserts his tactical acumen—or United risk falling further into a cycle of misfires and mediocrity.
Because as Flick bluntly said:
“If Amorim doesn’t change those two things, he’ll be chasing shadows in Bilbao. And Manchester United will lose
—badly.”
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