Manchester United have secured their place in the Europa League final after overcoming a shaky start to defeat Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate. Despite entering Thursday night’s second leg at Old Trafford with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Spain, Ruben Amorim’s side endured a nervy opening, falling behind early to an energetic Bilbao side.
For 70 tense minutes, Manchester United looked unsettled, struggling to match Bilbao’s intensity as the visitors pushed to claw their way back into the tie. But a late flurry of goals ensured the Red Devils’ passage to an all-English final against Tottenham. Mason Mount proved pivotal, scoring twice, while Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund added further gloss to the scoreline, silencing fears of a dramatic collapse.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted he had been unsure which version of his team would turn up. “I should be a better manager at this moment,” Amorim said candidly. “The team should be better at this moment. But we are trying. We did quite well in Europe but we struggled a lot in the Premier League.”
Amorim Prioritizes Belief Over Financial Rewards
Speaking after the match, Amorim emphasized that lifting the Europa League trophy would mean far more to his side than any financial windfall. Victory in the final would secure Champions League qualification for 2025-26, a prize conservatively estimated to bring in £100 million. Yet, for Amorim, the psychological boost of a European triumph carries greater significance.
“The money is not the most important thing,” Amorim explained. “To win a title as a coach brings a feeling, a feeling we can do good things, that we can give something to our fans. I agree it is not just playing Champions League next season. It is that feeling we can change things.”
Having taken over at Manchester United in November 2024, Amorim has navigated a turbulent debut season marked by inconsistency in the league. With just two wins since February in the Premier League, against Ipswich and Leicester, the Europa League has offered a welcome respite—and now, a shot at redemption.
Mount Emerges as Manchester United’s Unexpected Hero
The night belonged to Mason Mount, whose brace inspired Manchester United’s comeback and sent Old Trafford into raptures. Mount, signed for £55 million from Chelsea in 2023, has endured a frustrating spell at the club, plagued by injuries and limited appearances. Before Thursday, he had scored only twice for Manchester United and had never netted at Old Trafford.
Mount’s first goal was a moment of brilliance, turning swiftly onto a short pass from Leny Yoro before curling a superb effort into the far corner. His second was even more audacious, catching Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala stranded off his line and finding the net from 45 yards with an instinctive long-range strike.
“When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out I had it in my head if it comes to me, ‘first touch and shoot’,” said the 26-year-old. “I didn’t want it to come on my left foot. Then I was just trying to get it on target. My first goals at Old Trafford; a night I’ve been waiting a long time for.”
Tottenham Await in All-English Showdown
Manchester United’s reward is a showdown with Tottenham in the Europa League final, setting up an intriguing clash between two Premier League sides with points to prove. Amorim’s team have struggled against Spurs this season, losing all three encounters under Ange Postecoglou. However, despite Tottenham’s dominance in head-to-head meetings, they trail United in the league standings.
“Both teams are going to play all or nothing,” Amorim noted. “The position of the coach is similar. I know Ange has one more year [in his job], but both of us are struggling. That is the good thing.” Postecoglou, widely rumored to be leaving Spurs at season’s end, will be desperate to secure silverware. Amorim, meanwhile, will be eager to crown his turbulent first season with a European trophy.
Both managers find themselves at pivotal junctures in their respective tenures, with the final poised to be a defining moment for either club. While Champions League qualification looms as a critical reward, Amorim remains focused on the symbolic power of lifting a trophy.
Dressing Room Manchester United Behind Mount’s Redemption
Beyond the tactical implications, United’s players and coaching staff took special satisfaction from Mount’s starring role. The midfielder has battled skepticism and injuries since his high-profile transfer, and his teammates were quick to rally around him following his decisive brace.
“It’s not just me,” Amorim reflected. “If you look at the bench and see the other guys, they are so happy for Mason Mount. Everyone in that dressing room can see Mason doing everything he can to be available. He is a really good player and both goals were really good.”
Mount’s resurgence could not have been better timed, offering Manchester United fresh hope and momentum heading into the season’s climax. Whether it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the midfielder remains to be seen, but for one night at least, he was the hero Old Trafford had been waiting for.
