Manchester United advanced to the Europa League final with a 4-1 win (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
Despite trailing 3-0 from the first leg in Spain, the visitors started brightly and took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark with a cracking strike from distance.
United looked nervous and began the second half slowly, before Ruben Amorim’s substitutes impacted proceedings, with a sublime Mason Mount equaliser setting the tone for Casemiro to head the hosts in front seven minutes later.
Rasmus Hojlund added to United’s tally after good work from Amad, before Mount struck again in stoppage time with a superb 45-yard effort, capping an excellent night for the three-time European Champions.
Here are our five talking points from a buoyant Old Trafford.
Mount’s finest hour in Manchester United colours
It was a memorable outing for United midfielder Mason Mount, who snatched two goals after a highly impressive cameo off the bench in the second half.
The 26-year-old was an integral member of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side that won the Champions League in 2021. However, the English midfielder has struggled with injuries since his big move to Old Trafford in 2023.
But he was one of the catalysts in turning the game in United’s favour against Bilbao, and took his goals brilliantly. Amorim has publicly praised the player for his professionalism and football IQ. This performance felt like a thank you!
On this showing, he is now pushing for a starting berth in the showpiece.
Amad is a real game-changer
There is no question: Ruben Amorim’s substitutions changed the game and gave the home team more attacking impetus.
Central to this shift was Amad, who was absolutely electric after being introduced as part of a triple change. The Ivorian put on a show, immediately striking fear into the visitors’ defence with his direct running, mazy dribbling and ability to link up play.
He deservedly registered an assist, having plundered to the byline before laying it on a plate for Hojlund to finish United’s third of the evening.
The Reds have really missed the attacker since his injury in February, and they will need to ensure he is fit and ready now for the final.
Casemiro looks revitalised at Old Trafford
One man who was looking to be heading out of the club at the end of the season was Casemiro. The highly decorated Brazilian had suffered a drop in form in Manchester, and many felt his best days were behind him.
However, the former Real Madrid man has turned things around in the second half of the season, and he has been immense in the Europa League in particular.
The 33-year-old scored the opening goal during the first leg in Bilbao last week, and he added another on Thursday, heading home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick to give United the lead.
When he is in this sort of mood, the experienced midfielder is an asset to any team, so it will be intriguing to see what the future holds for the former Brazil captain.
Yoro is establishing himself as the club’s best centre-back
It was another near-flawless performance at the back for Leny Yoro against an impressive La Liga outfit.
The young Frenchman was at his best in United’s defensive triumvirate alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, illustrating his ability to break the lines with his passing and excellent ball-carrying skills.
Furthermore, he played a big part in his team’s crucial equaliser, calmly finding Mount inside the penalty area to score.
The Saint-Maurice native only arrived from Lille last summer in what was seen as a major coup, but with displays like this, it won’t be long before he establishes himself as the Reds’ best centre-back.
Manchester United are off to Bilbao
It certainly wasn’t pretty at times, but in the end, it was comfortable for Amorim’s troops, whose late rally gave them a 7-1 aggregate victory and secured a place in the Bilbao showpiece.
For the first time since 2019, it will be an all-English final against Tottenham Hotspur. The Londoners came out on top in their semi-final clash with Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, presenting a fourth season meeting between the domestic rivals.
With a trophy on the line and a shot at securing Champions League football, United must wrap their key men in cotton wool. Full steam ahead, Bilbao!
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