Feyenoord boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst believes that Manchester United are still “one of the biggest teams in the world” ahead of their Europa League clash on Thursday night.
United missed out on a place in the Champions League last season, finishing fifth under Louis van Gaal, but spirits have been raised at the club following the appointment of Jose Mourinho this summer.
The Portuguese spent big in the transfer window and made an excellent start, winning his first three Premier League games.
Although that 100% win record came to an end in the Manchester derby at the weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City winning 2-1 at Old Trafford, there’s still plenty of optimism for this season, both domestically and in Europe.
The Europa League is the one European trophy to elude United, but while it might not be at the top of their list of priorities this term, Van Bronckhorst is still predicting a tough game for Feyenoord at De Kuip.
“It’s a very big game for us against one of the biggest teams in the world,” the Dutchman told the pre-match press conference (via Goal).
“It’s a big challenge. The squad United are taking to Rotterdam has a lot of individual quality and experience.
“United have a number of players who can make the difference. No matter what their team looks like on Thursday, we will be prepared.”
United have scored seven goals and conceded three in their opening four Premier League fixtures this term, with a pass accuracy of 85%, as they sit fourth on nine points, three behind early pacesetters City.
Following Thursday’s clash, Mourinho’s men take on Watford at Vicarage Road this weekend, before facing Northampton Town in the EFL Cup next Wednesday.
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