Manchester United secured a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday, completing a convincing 7-1 aggregate semi-final win and setting up a highly anticipated final clash against Tottenham.
“Fireworks crackled and red smoke filled an expectant Old Trafford” following last week’s 3-0 triumph over 10-man Athletic in northern Spain.
However, the excitement was mixed with concern over Ruben Amorim’s United, given their inconsistency during a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Amorim returned to the starting lineup from the first leg, making eight changes after Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Brentford.
Dani Vivian missed the match due to a red card in the first leg, while coach Ernesto Valverde was without Nico and Inaki Williams, as well as leading scorer Oihan Sancet.
Mikel Jauregizar stunned the home crowd in the 31st minute with a brilliant goal that raised hopes for the visitors.
For large stretches, Athletic appeared more threatening, but substitute Mason Mount calmed the atmosphere with a goal 18 minutes from time.
The momentum shifted completely as Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Mount added goals.
The result keeps United’s hopes alive of turning a poor season into a successful one.
Winning the Europa League would also secure Champions League qualification, enhancing United’s appeal to potential signings as Amorim looks to reshape the squad.
United were widely expected to finish the job at home, though Athletic remained aggrieved after Vivian’s red card in the first leg.
The visitors controlled much of the early play but had difficulty converting possession into chances and looked dangerous on the break.
Athletic’s Alex Berenguer came close early but sent his shot high, and another effort drifted just wide after a solo run.
The away side struck first in spectacular fashion after United’s defense faltered. Harry Maguire’s misplaced pass allowed Alvaro Djalo to shoot, and after a deflection, Jauregizar curled a perfect shot past Andre Onana.
United lacked sharpness in attack but nearly equalized before the break when Alejandro Garnacho, set up by Patrick Dorgu, failed to find the net with a chip.
In the second half, United struggled as Athletic continued to press, forcing several desperate clearances.
Both managers introduced three substitutes around the 60th minute. Soon after, Unai Gomez’s header narrowly missed the target.
Mount, often sidelined during his time at Old Trafford, scored with a well-taken finish in the 72nd minute.
Casemiro doubled the lead with a header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, easing earlier tension.
Hojlund added a third before Mount struck again from near midfield after goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala misjudged a clearance.
United will face Tottenham in the final on May 21 in Bilbao.
What you should know
Mason Mount and Manchester United came alive in the second half to dispatch Athletic Bilbao, securing a Europa League final berth and a shot at rescuing their season with a crucial trophy and Champions League qualification.
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