Ivan Rakitic, a midfielder for Sevilla, has issued a warning to Manchester United ahead of their Europa League quarter-final clash in Spain on Thursday, April 20.
The Spanish team has won the Europa League a record six times and will focus on progressing to the next stage in order to compete in Europe next season.
Last Thursday’s first leg finished in a 2 – 2 deadlock after Manchester United sacrificed two late own goals to bring the clubs back level.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Rakitic, who won the competition with Sevilla in 2014, claimed that the intimidating atmosphere of the Ramón Sanchez-Pizjuán Stadium could prove the difference in the tie, as it has so often.
‘These people don’t know what awaits them on Thursday,’ the former Barcelona player said of Erik ten Hag’s side.
‘It is a team with a lot of experience and many millions, but United does not know what Ramón Sanchez-Pizjuán is like packed.
‘I know from when I was at Barcelona that players from other teams sing the Sevilla anthem on the pitch.
‘It’s unique. What our fans have created is very impressive.’
He then singled out two United players, David de Gea and Casemiro – who might be the most afraid, based on their experience in the Spanish league.
‘De Gea or Casemiro, who have played here, will surely explain to them that this is something else.
‘You get anywhere and they say that this is Sevilla’s competition.
‘They are going to have to suffer, I cannot guarantee that we will qualify but we are going to leave everything on the field.’