Manchester United had one foot in the Europa League final after last Thursday’s dominant display away in Bilbao, but on the return leg, despite missing several key players, the visitors began to put some pressure on Amorim’s side as they got a first half goal to give a glimmer of hope, while both sets of fans were trying to push their team to the final. While the first 60 minutes will be forgotten quickly after the dominant final 30 minute period, it turned quickly from a tense evening to one of celebration and positivity as United ended up cruising their way to the Europa League final, knowing a clash with fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur awaits.

The game was tense for the first 60 minutes as Athletic Clubs goal meant that despite having a 2 goal buffer, United had to soak up a lot of pressure. After Amorim made changes United were able to take back control, and once they equalised, the showboating and positive atmosphere could begin, giving United fans one of the best periods of football they’ve seen for a long time, and even drawing out some celebrations from the usually calm Amorim as the fans began making plans for the trip back to Bilbao for the final.

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Teams

Amorim had a much improved selection at his disposal, with only the long-term injured unavailable, while De Ligt was forced to miss out after departing early on Sunday’s clash with Brentford. Going with a more defensive minded approach from the start, the substitutes were pivotal as Amorim took a proactive rather than reactive approach, not content to sit back and absorb the Athletic Club pressure, but instead push for an equaliser which all-but ended the tie. With Mount and Amad making a big impact on their arrival, it put a strong case for both to start in the final.

For Athletic Club, they were missing notable absentees in the Williams brothers and Sancet, with the 3 attacking threats a huge miss with the visitors chasing the game from the kick-off. Despite this, they put together a strong line-up and showed early glimpses of what they could offer as they pushed to give United a worry.

Manchester United: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof (Amass 81′), Dorgu, Casemiro (Mainoo 81′), Ugarte (Mount 62′), Mazraoui (Shaw 62′), Fernandes, Garnacho (Amad 62′), Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Kamason, Fredricson, Eriksen, Mantato

Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala, Berchiche, Nunez, Alvarez, Gorosabel (De Marcos 62′), Jauregizar, De Galarreta (Prados 61′ – Vesga 73′), Gomez (Guruzeta 67′), Berenguer, Djalo (Olabarrieta 62′), Sannadi

Subs: Simon, Boiro, Paredes, Lekue, Rego, Canales, Varela

Manchester United (7)4-1(1) Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United delivered a commanding performance at Old Trafford, defeating Athletic Club 4–1 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night, securing a 7–1 aggregate victory and booking their place in the final against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite an early setback with Mikel Jaureguizar’s goal for the visitors, United responded emphatically, showcasing their depth and quality to overwhelm the Basque side.

Athletic Club, missing key players like the Williams brothers and Sancet, started brightly and took the lead through Jaureguizar’s strike. However, United’s substitutions in the second half turned the tide. Mason Mount, introduced in the 62nd minute, was instrumental, scoring twice and energizing the midfield. Casemiro added a goal with a clever header, and Rasmus Højlund sealed the victory late on.

Manager Ruben Amorim praised Mount’s performance, highlighting his impact in a season where United has faced domestic challenges. The victory sets up an all-English final in Bilbao on May 21, offering United a chance to salvage their season with European silverware.

Athletic Club’s manager Ernesto Valverde expressed disappointment, particularly with his team’s performance in the closing stages, allowing United to dominate. Despite the heavy aggregate loss, reaching the semi-finals marked a significant achievement for Athletic, who now turn their focus to securing a top-four finish in La Liga to ensure Champions League qualification next season.

Talking Points

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final with a commanding 4-1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, wrapping up a 7-1 aggregate victory and offering a rare high point in an otherwise turbulent season. With domestic performances falling well short of expectations and questions lingering over their consistency, this European run has provided a vital reprieve for Ruben Amorim’s side. Despite an early scare when Mikel Jaureguizar opened the scoring for the visitors, United responded with authority in the second half, ensuring that their campaign will culminate in a showpiece final in Bilbao on May 21.

Central to United’s triumph was the electrifying impact of Mason Mount, whose introduction in the 62nd minute sparked a ruthless attacking spell. Mount scored twice in the space of ten minutes, first arriving late in the box to sweep home, then curling in a sublime effort from the edge of the area. It was a timely reminder of the midfielder’s quality in a season interrupted by injury and inconsistency, and a performance that will surely boost his claim for a starting role in the final. His sharpness and vision instantly elevated United’s tempo, dismantling a tiring Athletic defence with clinical precision.

The final now pits two underachieving Premier League giants against one another, with both United and Tottenham Hotspur eager to salvage disappointing campaigns. United’s league form has been woeful, while Spurs have essentially matched United in their efforts. The pressure is immense on both camps, for United, it’s a chance to end the season with silverware and validate Amorim’s tenure while for Spurs, it’s an opportunity to win a first European trophy in over six decades and avoid another season defined by what might have been.