Manchester United secured a thrilling 4-1 victory over Athletic Club in their Europa League semifinal second leg at Old Trafford, completing a 7-1 aggregate triumph to set up a blockbuster final against Tottenham on May 21 in Bilbao. Mason Mount’s brace, alongside goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, sparked a late comeback to keep United’s hopes alive for silverware in a challenging season.
Athletic Club stunned Old Trafford in the 31st minute when Mikel Jauregizar curled a sensational strike past Andre Onana, giving the visitors hope despite their 3-0 deficit from the first leg. United, managed by Ruben Amorim, struggled for rhythm, with sloppy defending and missed chances, including Alejandro Garnacho’s failure to convert a first-half opportunity.
Trailing with 18 minutes remaining, United’s substitutes turned the tide. Mason Mount, often sidelined by injuries, equalized in the 72nd minute with a swiveling finish into the far corner. Casemiro headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross, Hojlund poked home in the 85th minute, and Mount sealed the rout with an audacious lob from near the halfway line after a poor clearance by Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
Amorim reverted to the lineup that dominated in Spain, making eight changes after a 4-3 Premier League loss to Brentford. Athletic, hampered by the suspension of Dani Vivian and absences of Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet, relied on early possession but lacked cutting edge. Despite their spirited display, United’s depth and late substitutions proved decisive.
The victory keeps United’s season alive, with the Europa League title offering a coveted Champions League spot for 2025-26. This would bolster Amorim’s rebuilding efforts, enhancing United’s appeal to top transfer targets. The final against Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, promises high stakes as both clubs vie for European glory.