Fergie hails Athletic boss Bielsa

Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns with Marcelo Bielsa for the first time at Old Trafford aware that the wily South American has produced the best Athletic Bilbao side in years.

Manchester United entertain a team currently fifth in La Liga, who have also booked a Copa del Rey final appearance against Barcelona in addition to their Europa League conquests.

And for that Ferguson believes they have to thank 56-year-old Argentinian Bielsa, who spent a decade coaching first his own country and then Chile at the 2010 World Cup. The Scot said: "I admire his work because I see the emergence of a very good Bilbao side."

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