Mason Mount delivered a decisive second-half brace to end a challenging 20-month period and secure Manchester United’s passage to an all-English Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on May 21.
Despite commencing the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford with a three-goal aggregate advantage over Athletic Bilbao, United endured an anxious and error-strewn first half, heightening concerns among the home support. The Spanish visitors further unsettled United when Mikel Jauregizar found the net with a notable 30-yard strike to give Bilbao a halftime lead.
However, Mount, who has faced a series of injuries limiting him to just ten Premier League starts since his 2023 transfer from Chelsea, made a pivotal impact. Introduced as a substitute, he scored just ten minutes later, converting Leny Yoro’s pass inside the penalty area with a precise strike into the far corner. This goal, his third for United, significantly eased the tension and diminished the visitors’ hopes of an improbable comeback.
Further goals from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund established a comfortable lead for Manchester United. Mount then capped the night’s performance by capitalizing on a loose ball 45 yards from goal, expertly sending a shot into an empty net.
The victory maintains United’s unbeaten record in the competition and provides an opportunity to salvage their season. For Mount, whose career has been hampered by injuries since his move, the two goals mark a significant moment. Head coach Ruben Amorim has previously indicated his belief in Mount’s potential within the team’s system. While the extent of this performance’s impact on Mount’s resurgence remains to be seen, both finishes demonstrated an underlying confidence.
Manchester United will now prepare for their ninth European final. Victory against Tottenham would secure an estimated £100 million and a place in the Champions League. However, the match also highlighted persistent issues for United, including a defensive error leading to Bilbao’s goal and missed opportunities. The team will need to address these vulnerabilities ahead of the final against a Tottenham side that has reportedly defeated them three times this season.
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