Manchester United delivered a commanding performance at Old Trafford on Thursday night, thrashing Spain’s Athletic Bilbao 4-1 to secure a 7-1 aggregate win and book a spot in the Europa League final against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg in Spain, United entered the second leg with a clear advantage. Still, questions lingered due to their inconsistent domestic form. Manager Ruben Amorim made eight changes from the weekend’s 4-3 loss to Brentford, reverting to the side that had performed well in Bilbao.
The visitors, already weakened by the absence of key players including top scorer Oihan Sancet and brothers Nico and Inaki Williams, stunned the home crowd in the 31st minute. Mikel Jauregizar scored a brilliant goal from outside the box, briefly sparking hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Athletic controlled large portions of the game and created several chances in the first half. United’s defence looked shaky, with Harry Maguire nearly gifting another goal before halftime. Alejandro Garnacho also missed a clear chance to equalise, sending his chip wide after being set up by Patrick Dorgu.
Despite a slow and nervous start, United turned the game around in the final 20 minutes. Substitute Mason Mount, often sidelined due to injury since joining the club, made a major impact. In the 72nd minute, he calmly curled the ball into the far corner, giving the home side breathing space.
The goal sparked a flurry of attacks. Midfielder Casemiro headed in the second goal from a Bruno Fernandes cross, while Rasmus Hojlund added a third just minutes later with a poacher’s finish inside the box.
Mount put the icing on the cake with an outrageous long-range goal from near the halfway line after Athletic’s goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, made a poor clearance while outside his box. The goal brought the home crowd to its feet and sealed an emphatic 4-1 win on the night.
United’s victory keeps their hopes alive of salvaging something from what has been a disappointing Premier League season. The Europa League trophy also offers a direct ticket to next season’s Champions League — a key factor as Amorim looks to rebuild the squad.
“This result means a lot for the players, the fans, and the future of the club,” said Amorim after the match. “We know this season hasn’t been good enough, but nights like this show what we’re capable of.”
The all-English final against Tottenham is set for May 21 in Bilbao, Spain — an ironic twist as United return to the city where their road to redemption truly began.
