Manchester United have booked their place in the Europa League final after a commanding 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford, completing a dominant 7-1 win on aggregate.
Despite Athletic Bilbao`s Mikel Jauregizar scoring a stunning goal that briefly instilled some doubt, given United`s significant first-leg advantage, the home side responded decisively.
Mason Mount was the catalyst, delivering a sensational performance off the bench highlighted by two superb goals. Casemiro`s header and a strike from Rasmus Hojlund rounded off the scoring, confirming United`s spot in the showpiece final.
The result sets up an eagerly anticipated all-English final clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Match Result:
- Man Utd 4-1 Athletic Bilbao (7-1 agg)
Match Highlights and Analysis
Mason Mount`s substitute appearance was arguably his best in a Manchester United shirt. Coming on with the team trailing 1-0 on the night, the midfielder`s game-changing contribution included his first ever brace in European competition. These were his first continental goals since scoring for Chelsea against Real Madrid in 2022. Notably, three of Mount’s five European goals have come in semi-finals.
Mount`s sensational stoppage-time finish, particularly his second goal, drew comparisons to David Beckham`s famous strike from the halfway line against Wimbledon in 1997. Furthermore, Mount became the first substitute to score a brace for Manchester United in a European knockout match since Beckham achieved the feat against Real Madrid in April 2003.
Rasmus Hojlund also got on the scoresheet, netting in front of the Stretford End. The forward expressed his desire for more consistency, stating he wants to continue scoring after ending a recent drought.
Teenage centre-back Leny Yoro delivered an assured performance in the second leg and spoke about his career ambition to win major trophies with Manchester United.
Manager Ruben Amorim was proud of his team`s achievement but quickly shifted focus to the final, emphasizing the need to win the trophy for the loyal supporters. He acknowledged the challenge ahead.
Road to the Final
Manchester United have reached their ninth major European final and their first since the 2021 Europa League final loss to Villarreal. They achieved this year`s final appearance going undefeated throughout their Europa League campaign, recording 9 wins and 5 draws in 14 matches. This marks the most games the club has played in a single European season without suffering a defeat.
The European finals lineup is now confirmed:
- Europa League: Tottenham vs Man Utd – Bilbao (Wed, May 21)
- Conference League: Real Betis vs Chelsea – Wroclaw (Wed, May 28)
- Champions League: PSG vs Inter – Munich (Sat, May 31)
The all-English Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao will be the sixth instance of two English clubs meeting in a major European final. For Manchester United, it`s their second such final after the 2008 Champions League win against Chelsea.
Looking ahead to the final, United face a tough test against Tottenham, a side that has beaten them three times already this season:
- Man Utd 0-3 Tottenham (PL, Sept 29)
- Tottenham 4-3 Man Utd (League Cup QF, Dec 19)
- Tottenham 1-0 Man Utd (PL, Feb 16)
Despite this season`s head-to-head record, manager Amorim commented that it`s rare for one club to beat another four times in a single campaign, suggesting the final offers a fresh opportunity.
