Sir Alex Ferguson hails Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Athletic Bilbao ahead of the second leg of their Europa League showdown tonight.

The Red Devils, who lost 3-2 in the first leg at Old Trafford last week, need to better a 1-0 win at the San Mames in order to progress from the last 16 of the competition. Meanwhile, the Scot insists that he is "sure" that his side will.

"We saw evidence last week of an emerging team that has the prospect of doing well," he said.

"They had the highest stats, in terms of distance run, of any team at Old Trafford in the last 10 years.

"We've got to bank on the fact we will do a lot better than we did at Old Trafford and I'm sure we will."

Manchester United are currently in first place in the Premier League.