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Mason Mount delivered a dazzling performance as Manchester United thrashed Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory to book a Europa League final clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite their three-goal cushion from the first leg in Spain, United looked shaky in the opening stages. They fell behind to a stunning long-range effort from Mikel Jauregizar and struggled for cohesion throughout the first half.
But a wave of second-half substitutions changed the momentum completely. Mount and Amad Diallo were introduced, injecting urgency and creativity into United’s play.
Mount, who has endured a frustrating time since his switch from Chelsea, drew United level in the 72nd minute with a smart turn and clinical strike into the far corner. That opened the floodgates.
Casemiro added a second with a powerful header from Bruno Fernandes’ cross, Rasmus Hojlund slotted home a third, and Mount capped the night with a sensational strike from near the halfway line after catching the Bilbao goalkeeper off his line.
Now, United have a chance to rescue a dismal domestic season by claiming European silverware in Bilbao on May 21. Victory over Tottenham would also earn a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.
Speaking after the win, manager Ruben Amorim said: “I’m just focused on keeping the squad fit for the final. If we don’t win it, everything we’ve done so far means nothing.”
He added: “It’s similar for Ange (Postecoglou) at Spurs. We’re both under pressure, but one of us will finish the season with something to show for it.”
United’s rollercoaster season has left them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, one spot ahead of Tottenham. But Thursday’s commanding performance showed glimpses of what Amorim’s team is capable of when it all clicks.
Athletic, missing key players including the Williams brothers and Oihan Sancet, took the lead after a poor giveaway by Harry Maguire allowed Jauregizar to curl home a sublime strike. United, disjointed in attack for much of the first hour, were fortunate not to concede more.
It wasn’t until Diallo and Mount came on that United sparked into life. Diallo tormented Bilbao’s defence from the right flank, while Mount added poise and precision to United’s attacks.
Mount’s second goal—a long-range lob after a mishit clearance—put the result beyond doubt and gave fans a rare highlight in a season full of low points.
United will now face a Tottenham side who also need a Europa League triumph to salvage a season of underachievement. Both clubs will go into the final desperate to avoid ending their campaigns empty-handed.
