Manchester United stormed into the UEFA Europa League final in emphatic fashion, thrashing Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford to secure a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory and set up an all-English showdown against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
United’s Slow Start, Stunning Comeback
Trailing by three goals from the first leg, Athletic Club came to Manchester with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Ernesto Valverde’s side started brightly and nearly got the dream opening when Alex Berenguer blazed a clear chance over the bar from 12 yards out.
The warning signs were there for United, who looked shaky in the opening exchanges. The early pressure paid off for the visitors in the 31st minute, as Mikel Jauregizar unleashed a stunning long-range effort into the top corner to give the Spanish side a sliver of hope.
Two stunning strikes from distance
⚽️ Mikel Jauregizar or Mason Mount?#UELGOTD | @FlixBus_DE pic.twitter.com/u1gS9hyJrd
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 8, 2025
United, unbeaten in Europe this season, struggled to respond immediately. Garnacho had a golden opportunity to level the scores on the night just before the break, but his chipped finish drifted inches wide of the far post, leaving Old Trafford holding its breath.
Amorim’s Substitutions Turn the Tide
Recognizing the need for a spark, United boss Rúben Amorim made a decisive triple change midway through the second half. That tactical tweak paid off almost instantly.
Super sub Mason Mount, who has endured a stop-start debut season, rose to the occasion with a brilliant equalizer. Turning sharply inside the area, the England international curled a precise shot beyond Julen Agirrezabala in the 71st minute, triggering wild celebrations among the United faithful.
Mount’s impact didn’t stop there. With Athletic now visibly deflated, Bruno Fernandes whipped in a dangerous free-kick just eight minutes later, which was met by Casemiro’s towering header to put United ahead on the night.
Dominance Sealed Late On
With the tie all but wrapped up, United continued to pile on the misery for the Spanish visitors. Rasmus Højlund, quiet in the first leg, got in on the act by slotting home after a clever cutback from Amad Diallo, making it 3-1 on the night.
The final flourish came from Mount once again. Capitalizing on a mistake by Agirrezabala, who miscontrolled a back pass under pressure, Mount pounced from range and floated a superb long-range effort into the open goal to complete his brace and United’s rout.
Mount Delivers When It Matters Most
Mount’s performance was a reminder of his undeniable talent. Injuries have hampered his impact this season, but in the semi-final’s decisive second leg, he showcased why United made him one of their marquee signings.
His movement, composure, and eye for goal were instrumental in flipping the script. The brace not only sealed progression but gave United belief that silverware — and a ticket back to the Champions League — is firmly within reach.
Athletic’s Fight Falls Short
Athletic Club showed bravery and spirit, especially in the opening 45 minutes. Jauregizar’s opener gave them hope, and they dominated large spells of the game before United’s substitutions flipped the momentum.
Unai Núñez had a headed chance early in the second half, and the Lions’ midfield pushed hard to unsettle United. But once Mount struck, the wind was taken out of their sails. Valverde’s side simply ran out of ideas and energy as the tie slipped away.
Red Devils Reach Ninth European Final
The result sends Manchester United into their ninth European final and offers a lifeline to salvage their season. The Red Devils have endured a turbulent domestic campaign, but Amorim’s arrival has rejuvenated their European hopes.
Set to face Tottenham in the final, the clash promises to be a blockbuster all-English affair. For United, it’s an opportunity to secure their second Europa League crown in eight years and silence critics who had written them off earlier in the campaign.
A Silver Lining for a Challenging Season
While the Premier League has delivered frustration and inconsistency, United’s European form has been nothing short of outstanding. The unbeaten run continues, and with players like Mount, Fernandes, and Casemiro hitting form at the right time, belief is building.
As the final whistle blew at Old Trafford, chants of “We’re going to Bilbao” rang around the stadium. From the depths of despair after the first leg in Bilbao to an unforgettable second-leg turnaround, Manchester United reminded Europe that they still belong on the big stage.
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