Manchester United stormed into an all-English Europa League final after a commanding second-leg performance saw them sweep aside Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford. Mason Mount was the standout figure, his two goals capping off a thrilling display that sent United into the final against Tottenham with a resounding 7-1 aggregate win.
Mount’s first goal, a sublime equaliser in the 72nd minute, shifted the momentum decisively. Leny Yoro poked the ball to the midfielder, who turned sharply and curled a pinpoint shot past Julen Agirrezabala. The Stretford End erupted as Mount ran to celebrate, while the aggregate scoreline stretched to 4-1, all but ending any hopes of a Bilbao revival.
Moments later, Bruno Fernandes delivered a deft free-kick from the right flank to the near post, where Casemiro dived to head home. United’s control was cemented, and Athletic’s resistance faded rapidly. Amad Diallo, a livewire after his introduction, surged down the right before picking out Rasmus Højlund for a simple finish to make it 6-1 on aggregate. Then came Mount’s second: a stunning, long-range strike from 45 yards that caught Agirrezabala off his line and confirmed United’s dominance.
Earlier in the night, things had looked less assured for United. Athletic Bilbao opened the scoring through Mikel Jauregizar, who pounced on a wayward Harry Maguire pass and rifled home from 25 yards. It was a warning for United, who had looked shaky at times under Bilbao’s press, especially with André Onana twice misplacing passes and Berenguer going close.
United responded with fast-paced counters, with Casemiro and Fernandes combining well to drive the team forward. Patrick Dorgu and Alejandro Garnacho both had chances to restore United’s cushion before half-time, with the latter fluffing a chip when clean through. Athletic pushed for a second before the break, forcing United into desperate clearances and nervy defending.
The second half began with more pressure from the visitors, with Berenguer and Gómez testing the defence again. United were pinned back, struggling to retain possession. But the tide turned when three substitutes Mount, Diallo, and Luke Shaw entered the fray. Their energy and precision transformed the game.
Diallo’s immediate impact down the right was telling, his pace and agility stretching Bilbao’s backline. Shaw added stability, and Mount brought flair and decisiveness in midfield. United regained control, and the goals flowed. Bilbao, already missing key players like the Williams brothers, Oihan Sancet, and Dani Vivian, had little left to give.
By the time Mount’s second strike found the net, the tie was over. United’s performance, while initially nervy, grew in authority and quality. With their final set for Athletic’s own San Mamés Stadium, the irony will not be lost on the Spanish side. For United, it’s a chance to claim European silverware against domestic rivals in what promises to be a compelling all-English showdown.
