Manchester United delivered a statement performance on Thursday night, thrashing Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford and sealing their place in the Europa League final with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory.
This semi-final second leg had everything the fans could hope for — goals, flair, resilience, and redemption. The hero of the night was Mason Mount, who came off the bench to score twice and reignite a season that has been stop-start due to injuries.
His return to form, combined with goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund, ensured Manchester United will now face Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final at San Mamés.
Manchester United Respond After Early Scare
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Manchester United, though. For the first half hour, they looked nervy and vulnerable. A few early errors, including misplaced passes by goalkeeper André Onana, allowed Bilbao to gain confidence.
The pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Mikel Jauregizar fired a stunning long-range effort past Onana after a defensive mix-up, giving the Spanish side hope of a comeback. That goal cut the aggregate score to 3-1 and lifted the travelling Basque fans, who created a raucous atmosphere in the away section.
But United held firm. They managed to survive the rest of the first half without conceding again — no small feat given Bilbao’s aggression and tempo. Manchester United needed a spark, and manager Rúben Amorim provided it at just the right moment.
Super Sub Mount Turns the Tide
With the score at 1-0 on the night and nerves creeping in, Amorim made a triple substitution in the 62nd minute. Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and Luke Shaw entered the pitch, and the game shifted dramatically in United’s favor.
Ten minutes later, Mount scored the equalizer with a beautiful right-footed finish into the far corner after receiving a smart pass from Leny Yoro. It was Mount’s first major goal contribution in months — and it came when United needed it most.
From that point, the floodgates opened.
Casemiro, Højlund, and Mount Seal the Rout
Shortly after Mount’s equalizer, Bruno Fernandes floated in a clever free-kick to the near post, where Casemiro met it with a stooping header to make it 2-1 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate.
Rasmus Højlund then tapped in United’s third of the game after a dazzling run and cross by Amad Diallo, who brought energy and creativity from the right flank.
Just when the Bilbao defense thought they had seen it all, Mason Mount returned with a sensational moment of magic — launching a 45-yard missile into an empty net as Bilbao pushed forward. The goal capped off the evening and sealed Manchester United’s place in the final with a stunning 7-1 aggregate win.
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Mason Mount’s Redemption Arc
After a difficult start to his Manchester United career marked by injuries and inconsistency, this was the night Mason Mount had been waiting for. His double — one technical, one audacious — reminded fans why the club signed him from Chelsea and why Amorim has kept faith.
“It’s been a long journey, but I never stopped believing,” Mount said post-match. “To do this in front of the Stretford End is special.”
Amorim praised Mount’s character and Diallo’s impact, noting that the team’s response after going behind was “exactly what United football should be.”
Tactical Masterclass from Amorim
Credit must go to Amorim, who timed his substitutions perfectly. He recognized the need for control and creativity, and his decision to bring on Shaw and Mount at the same time as Diallo gave United a more balanced and dynamic shape.
The second half was a masterclass in managing tempo and seizing moments — something Manchester United have struggled with at times this season. Amorim’s tactical growth continues to show.
Manchester United now prepare to face Tottenham in what promises to be a high-stakes Europa League final. Spurs overcame Eintracht Frankfurt in the other semi-final and will have the benefit of playing the final on Spanish soil — but United will come in with momentum, goals, and belief.
For Amorim, a European title would be a monumental achievement in his debut season in English football. For the players, it’s a chance to salvage silverware after a turbulent domestic campaign.
