“Man Unіted іѕ the only team we don’t want to face and that’ѕ becauѕe of that guy, he’ѕ ѕo dіffіcult to рlay agaіnѕt and we’re all ѕcared of hіm”: Nіco Wіllіamѕ nameѕ ONE Man Unіted’ѕ рlayer who’ѕ every Athletіc Bіlbao рlayerѕ’ nіghtmare

Manchester United’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final has not only electrified the fans but has also sent a chilling message to their semi-final opponents, Athletic Bilbao. And for Nico Williams, one particular Red Devil has been dominating their thoughts—so much so that he’s admitted, “We’re all scared of him.”

Thursday night’s clash between United and Lyon proved once again that United under Ruben Amorim are the ultimate drama merchants. The game was anything but routine. United found themselves cruising at halftime with a 2-0 lead, looking sharp, controlled, and already halfway to the semi-finals.

Yet, in true Manchester United fashion, the script was rewritten in the most chaotic way possible. Lyon clawed their way back into the match, and when extra time rolled around, they delivered two quick blows that saw United staring down the barrel of elimination.

It was at that moment, when all hope seemed lost, that the big names stepped up. Casemiro, the veteran Brazilian, led by example and became the pivot around which United turned the tide. His involvement in all three of United’s extra-time goals was a masterclass in leadership and tenacity.

Bruno Fernandes then calmly slotted home a penalty to bring life back into the stadium. But it was young Kobbie Mainoo who truly lit up the night with an equalizer that sent shockwaves across Europe. A player still finding his feet in senior football, Mainoo’s composure under pressure was nothing short of elite.

And then, of course, came the man of the hour: Harry Maguire. Criticized, doubted, even ridiculed at times, Maguire rose above the noise to deliver yet another powerful header, sealing the 5-4 win on the night and a 7-6 aggregate triumph.

The result sent Ruben Amorim and the entire United faithful into delirium. Yet behind the scenes, the focus quickly turned to the next chapter of this European journey: a semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao, a team not to be taken lightly.

Athletic’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, has immense respect for United. Speaking after their match, he acknowledged United’s pedigree, saying, “Manchester United are a Champions League club. Right now, they’re taking the Europa League as the only chance to qualify to where they belong.”

And while that sentiment is echoed by many in European football, Nico Williams offered a more specific, personal perspective. In a candid moment quoted by Touchline X, Williams admitted that the prospect of facing United brings more anxiety than excitement.

“Manchester United is the only team we don’t want to face,” he said. “And that’s because of that guy. He’s so difficult to play against, and we’re all scared of him.”

While Williams stopped short of naming the player directly in that quote, sources close to the squad suggest he was referring to none other than Casemiro. The Brazilian’s dominance in midfield, his relentless work rate, and his leadership on the pitch have made him a nightmare for opponents.

Casemiro’s experience and defensive intelligence often disrupt attacking rhythms, especially for sides like Bilbao that rely on fluid movement and fast breaks. Williams himself, known for his pace and direct dribbling, would have a particularly difficult time breaking through a midfield marshaled by the ex-Real Madrid star.

Interestingly, this won’t be the first time Manchester United and Ernesto Valverde cross paths. Back in 2021, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United had reportedly approached Valverde to take the managerial reins. While that move never materialized, Valverde remains undefeated against United in his managerial career.

In fact, it was under Valverde’s management that Barcelona handed United a comprehensive Champions League exit in 2019, with a 4-0 aggregate scoreline. That historical edge gives him a psychological advantage, but United’s current form and spirit cannot be underestimated.

United will travel to Bilbao on May 1st, aiming to set the tone in the first leg of a mouthwatering semi-final. For Amorim, it will be his toughest test yet. Conceding four goals at home simply cannot happen again—not against a side as tactically drilled as Valverde’s Athletic.

There’s also a poetic subplot in this tie. Should United go through, they’ll be returning to Bilbao once more in May, this time for the Europa League final. The city may become a fortress or a fairytale setting, depending on how Amorim’s men handle their Spanish opponents.

The importance of this tie cannot be overstated. For United, winning the Europa League is now the clearest route back to the Champions League. For Amorim, it’s a chance to cap off his first season in charge with silverware and validation.

But perhaps more than tactics and title hopes, it’s the emotional pull—the pressure, the memories, the legacy—that defines this match-up. Athletic Bilbao fear United not because of superstition, but because of the very real threat posed by players like Casemiro, Fernandes, and the emerging Mainoo.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes turn to the man who’s been haunting Bilbao’s dressing room long before the whistle has blown. Nico Williams has said it best: “We’re all scared of him.” Whether that fear fuels or fells the Spanish side remains to be seen.