Manchester United face a stern test tomorrow evening when they clash with Celta Vigo in the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final showdown, in what is likely to be a stern test for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Celta Vigo have exceeded expectations this season by reaching the final four of the Europa League, all whilst hovering in mid-table in their La Liga campaign- showing that this season for the Galician side is certainly one in a million.

The Spanish side’s current situation brings back memories of Manchester United’s Europa League experience five years ago, where the Red Devils were swept aside by a young Athletic Bilbao side, who finished the seasons runners-up.

That Athletic side included current United midfielder Ander Herrera, who has identified the similarities between tomorrow night’s opponents and his former Basque employers.

“Celta are a very complicated team, with players that have a lot of quality. In theory, we are the strongest team left in the competition but we have to respect all of our rivals because otherwise, they can surprise us.”

“My team-mates ask me about Celta, because a lot is at stake for us in this tie. I tell them to remember that Athletic side that won at Old Trafford, because it’s very similar.”

“They are an attack-minded side. It doesn’t matter whether they play at home or away, they always attack. They’re a very dangerous side. They like to have possession and they rely on high pressing. It’s a team that makes life difficult for you and they have good quality players like Aspas.”

Manchester United boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season but their back-line has looked shaky at times, which is something that former Liverpool man Iago Aspas, who boasts 24 goals this season, will look to exploit.

Like the clash with Athletic five years ago, Manchester United face an opponent who have little pressure on their shoulders and all eyes will be on the Red Devils, who now stand as the favourites to win the Europa League this season.

Just like in 2012, Manchester United face the first-leg away from home and it will be a difficult place to visit but securing a victory in Spain should be enough to see the Red Devils advance through to the final later this month.

Defeat, on the other hand, would give Celta a major boost in confidence ahead of their trip to Old Trafford and would push the Galician side to enjoy a similar result to what Athletic Bilbao previously achieved, as Herrera’s former side won 2-1 in the second-leg.

A lot has certainly changed for Manchester United during the five years since, with the stand-out differences between Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and the addition of the most expensive player in the world, but the Red Devils can expect similar challenges from the Spanish minnows tomorrow.