All-English Europa League Final on Tap As Tottenham and Manchester United win
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win
Mason Mount produced a stunning second-half performance to guide Manchester United to the Europa League final, scoring twice in a 4–1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford to seal a 7–1 aggregate victory.
Early Tension as Athletic Strike First
It was a night that began with nerves but ended with celebrations, as United survived a shaky first half before completely overpowering their Spanish opponents. Athletic had threatened to make it a contest when Mikel Jauregizar lashed in a brilliant 30-yard strike to give the visitors a 1–0 lead on the night and a glimmer of hope. But once Mount struck in the 72nd minute, United never looked back.
Mount Breaks the Resistance
The England midfielder, whose time at Old Trafford has been blighted by injury since his £55 million move from Chelsea in 2023, has endured months of frustration. His calm finish into the far corner from Leny Yoro’s short pass not only levelled the score on the night but put an end to any real danger of an Athletic comeback.
United Turn on the Style
From there, United turned up the pressure. Casemiro put the hosts ahead with a composed finish in the 79th minute after good link-up play from Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Hojlund added another just six minutes later with a sharp turn and finish following a clever assist from Amad Diallo.
Mount Caps Off a Magical Night
But Mount wasn’t done. In the final minutes of added time, he latched onto a loose ball near the halfway line, noticed Athletic’s goalkeeper was off his line and floated a perfectly judged strike into the empty net to complete his brace and cap a memorable night.
A Scoreline That Flatters, but Progress Secured
The scoreline may flatter United slightly, with Athletic the better team for large stretches of the first half, but it was the home side’s ruthlessness after the break that proved decisive. The win sets up an all-English final in Bilbao on 21 May, where United will face Tottenham, a side they’ve failed to beat in three meetings this season.
Relief for Mount and Amorim
Mount’s performance will come as a major relief to both player and manager. The 26-year-old’s United career has been stunted by persistent injuries, and doubts had grown over his place in Ruben Amorim’s plans. But his goals showcased a calmness and confidence that have long been missing. Whether this marks a turning point remains to be seen, but for now, he’s back in the headlines for the right reasons.
Encouraging Signs — but Work Remains
Elsewhere, Casemiro’s return to form continues to be a quiet boost for Amorim, while Diallo and Hojlund offered encouraging signs of progress. However, question marks remain. Harry Maguire was at fault for Athletic’s opener, and Alejandro Garnacho spurned a clear chance before half-time. These kinds of errors can be costly, and United will need to tighten up before facing Spurs in the final.
Silverware — and Stakes — on the Line
United’s ninth European final is now just days away. With Champions League qualification and an estimated £100 million at stake, the pressure will be immense. But if Mount and his teammates can replicate the composure and quality they showed in the second half, silverware – and salvation – may still be within reach.
