Mount’s Magic Seals United’s Final Date as Bilbao Crumble

Manchester United stormed into the Europa League final with a ruthless late blitz against an injury-hit Athletic Bilbao side, scoring four times in the final 20 minutes at Old Trafford to wrap up a 7-1 aggregate semi-final win.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Ruben Amorim’s men though. Trailing 3-0 from the first leg in Spain, Athletic showed spirit in Manchester, taking the lead on the night when Mikel Jauregizar rifled a brilliant effort past Andre Onana midway through the first half. That glimmer of hope was alive until the 72nd minute then United flicked a switch.

Substitute Mason Mount was the catalyst, tucking home the equaliser after good work by teenage defender Leny Yoro. From there, it was one-way traffic. Casemiro made it 2-1 with a glancing header from Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick before Amad Diallo, back from injury, set up Rasmus Højlund for a simple finish.

The best was saved for last. In stoppage time, a dreadful error from Julen Agirrezabala gifted Mount possession, and the England midfielder showed no mercy, lobbing the stranded goalkeeper from over 30 yards to seal an emphatic win.

It was a crushing end for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who had dreamed of a home final at San Mames but fell well short, hampered by key absences and their inability to convert chances when they briefly had United rattled.

United, meanwhile, move on to face Tottenham in what promises to be a mouth-watering final. First though, they’ll turn their attention to the Premier League and a tricky visit to West Ham.

On a night that began nervously but ended in a party atmosphere, Old Trafford witnessed a rare moment of Mount magic and a team finally playing with the swagger their fans have craved all season.