Manchester United have booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final. This is after a thrilling 4-1 comeback win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford.
The result sees the Red Devils reach their third final in the competition, setting up a showdown with Tottenham Hotspur (2.70) in Bilbao.
First-Half Frustration for United
Despite coming into the match with a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, Manchester United (1.97) found themselves on the back foot early on. Athletic Club are under the tactical guidance of Ernesto Valverde. They started brightly and were rewarded in the 31st minute. Mikel Jaureguizar capitalised on a blocked Álvaro Djaló strike. He unleashes a powerful long-range effort that soars into the top corner beyond André Onana, silencing the Stretford End.
United had a golden chance to level just before the break. However, Alejandro Garnacho dragged his effort wide after latching onto Patrick Dorgu‘s precise through ball. The half ended with the visitors looking more likely to score again. After having controlled possession and pushed United deep into their half.
Second-Half Turnaround Sparked by Mount
United manager Ruben Amorim reacted decisively in the 62nd minute, making a triple substitution that included the introduction of Mason Mount. The English midfielder took just ten minutes to make his mark. He was latching onto a loose ball in the box before swivelling sharply. Then firing a clinical shot past Julen Agirrezabala to level the score on the night.
Buoyed by the equaliser, United surged forward. Casemiro completed the turnaround in the 76th minute, meeting a whipped Bruno Fernandes free-kick at the near post to head the hosts into the lead. Moments later, Rasmus Højlund added a third, finishing from close range after a low cross from Amad Diallo.
Mount capped a remarkable individual display with his second in stoppage time, cutting in from the left before sending a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) for the Red Devils.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking to TNT Sports, United manager Ruben Amorim remained focused on the task ahead, saying: “I’m just worried about the next game, trying not to get any injuries for the final. If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us.”
Defender Leny Yoro, reflecting on Mount’s match-winning contribution, added: “I’m really happy for Mason to score these two goals. He’s a top player and we need him.”
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, lamented his side’s late collapse: “We played very well for 80 minutes, but football is 90 minutes, not 80 or 75.”
Key Stats and Notable Performances
- Manchester United’s third Europa League final: Their first since 2021, when they lost to Villarreal on penalties.
- Unbeaten run extended: United have now gone 14 matches unbeaten in this season’s Europa League (W9 D5), scoring 35 goals in the process – just two shy of Porto’s record of 37, set in the 2010/11 season.
- Clinical comeback: United have now won 15 of their last 16 Europa League two-legged ties.
- Athletic’s struggle against English sides: Athletic Club (3.45) have only won three of their last 12 European encounters with English teams (D3 L6).
Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Lindelöf (Amass 81), Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui (Shaw 62), Casemiro (Mainoo 81), Ugarte (Mount 62), Dorgu; Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho (Diallo 62).
Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; Gorosabel (De Marcos 62), Yeray Álvarez, Unai Nuñez, Berchiche; Ruiz De Galarreta (Prados 61; Vesga 73), Jaureguizar; Álvaro Djaló (Aingeru Olabarrieta 62), Gomez (Guruzeta 67), Berenguer; Sannadi.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s late surge at Old Trafford showcased their resilience and attacking depth. They turned a tense contest into a commanding 4-1 victory over Athletic Club. With Mason Mount’s double leading the charge, the Red Devils have secured their place in the Europa League final. This extends their unbeaten run in the competition to 14 matches. As they prepare to face Tottenham in Bilbao, United will aim to cap an impressive European campaign with silverware, reinforcing their status as one of the continent’s elite.
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