The Red Devils endured a tense 70 minutes at Old Trafford before substitute Mason Mount inspired a 4-1 comeback win over Athletic Bilbao, sealing a 7-1 aggregate triumph and a spot in the Europa League final.
The victory keeps Manchester United’s unbeaten European campaign alive as the Red Devils chase salvation in a dismal Premier League season.
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Red Devils’ Nervy Path to Bilbao
Manchester United secured a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club on Thursday, but the Red Devils’ performance at Old Trafford highlighted their season-long inconsistencies.
Despite a dominant first-leg lead, defensive errors and sluggish play nearly derailed their progress before substitutes Mason Mount and Amad Diallo sparked a late surge.
Athletic struck first through 21-year-old Mikel Jauregizar’s 31st-minute curler, capitalizing on Harry Maguire’s misplaced pass.
The goal briefly reignited hopes of a historic comeback for the Spanish side, who were missing star attackers Nico and Iñaki Williams.
Alejandro Garnacho squandered a golden chance to equalize before halftime, compounding frustrations for the Red Devils’ faithful.
Substitutes Steer United’s Revival
With tension mounting, manager Ruben Amorim’s triple substitution in the 62nd minute proved decisive.
Mount, introduced alongside Luke Shaw and Amad, leveled the score with a clinical turn-and-finish in the 72nd minute, marking his first Old Trafford goal for the club.
Casemiro’s header eight minutes later effectively sealed the tie, while Rasmus Højlund tapped in Amad’s cross to extend the lead.
Mount capped the night with a 70-yard lob in stoppage time, underscoring the Red Devils’ late-game explosiveness.
Amorim’s Candid Assessment
Despite the emphatic aggregate scoreline, Amorim admitted his team’s vulnerabilities: “We have so many weaknesses.
In the Premier League, we struggle, but in Europe, we fight.” The manager praised Mount’s impact, calling him “the difference-maker when we needed energy”.
The Red Devils remain unbeaten in this season’s Europa League, a stark contrast to their 15th-place Premier League standing.
Their European resilience has hinged on substitutes, with seven goals from bench players—the second-highest in the tournament.
Key Stats: United’s Dual Reality
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European dominance: 12 matches unbeaten in the Europa League (8 wins, 4 draws).
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Substitute impact: Mount’s brace made him the fourth United bench player to score in the knockout stages.
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Domestic woes: 16 Premier League losses—a club record—contrast sharply with their European form.
Player Ratings
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Mason Mount (8.9/10): Two goals, one assist—matchwinner off the bench.
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Casemiro (8.5/10): Dominant in midfield, crucial headed goal.
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Leny Yoro (8.1/10): Solid at the back, 91% pass accuracy.
Final Showdown with Tottenham
United will face Tottenham in an unprecedented all-English final on May 21 at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium.
Both clubs, languishing in the Premier League’s bottom half, view the match as a lifeline for Champions League qualification and redemption.
The Red Devils have won three consecutive domestic cups but last claimed European silverware in 2017.
For Amorim, lifting the trophy would mark his first major honor since joining United, while Spurs seek their first trophy since 2008.
