Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Bilbao (7-1 on Agg): Dominant United Cruise Through to the Europa League Final
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao
In a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League final with a dramatic 4-1 victory, driven by late goals from Mason Mount, who scored twice, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund. This triumph not only propelled United to their first European final in eight years but also offered a glimmer of redemption in what has been an otherwise wretched season for the Red Devils. The victory, sealed in the final stages of a tense match, ensures that United are now just one game away from lifting a European trophy, a feat that would mark a significant milestone for a club desperate to restore its former glory. Beyond the prospect of silverware, the win guarantees Manchester United a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, a competition they have been absent from in recent years due to inconsistent domestic performances. For a club of United’s stature, this dual reward—trophy and Champions League qualification—represents a critical opportunity to end the campaign on a high note, salvaging pride and momentum for the future. The road to the final has been far from straightforward, but this performance underscored the resilience and potential within Ruben Amorim’s squad, even as questions linger about their consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Manchester United entered the second leg of their Europa League semifinal with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, a result that had showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Unbeaten in 13 Europa League matches during the 2024-25 season, United were favorites to progress, but the specter of vulnerability loomed large. The team had suffered four competitive defeats by three-goal margins earlier in the season, with three of those coming at home in the Premier League—3-0 losses to Liverpool, Tottenham, and Bournemouth. These results exposed a fragility that made a comeback by their opponents, Athletic Bilbao, a plausible threat despite the aggregate scoreline. As the match unfolded, Old Trafford became a cauldron of nervous energy, with fans acutely aware that their team’s lead, while substantial, was not insurmountable. The tension was palpable 31 minutes into the game when Mikel Jauregizar unleashed a stunning long-range strike that rocketed into the top corner of André Onana’s net. While the goal was a moment of brilliance from the young Bilbao midfielder, questions were raised about Onana’s positioning and reaction, as the goalkeeper arguably could have done more to prevent the ball from finding its mark. The strike shifted the mood in the stadium, with United’s supporters growing increasingly anxious as memories of past collapses resurfaced.
The first half offered United a chance to restore parity, but their attacking efforts were marred by inefficiency. Alejandro Garnacho, a player known for his flair and directness, squandered a golden opportunity just before the interval. Latching onto a precise through ball from Patrick Dorgu, the Uruguayan winger found himself one-on-one with Bilbao’s goalkeeper. With the goal at his mercy, Garnacho inexplicably failed to hit the target, opting for a lazily dinked effort that drifted wide of the post. The miss encapsulated United’s struggles in the opening 45 minutes, as they failed to register a single shot on target despite their attacking intent. The profligacy in front of goal only heightened the tension among the Old Trafford faithful, who feared that their team’s inability to capitalize on chances could invite further pressure from a Bilbao side growing in confidence. As the teams headed into the break, United’s players faced the challenge of regrouping and rediscovering the clinical edge that had carried them to a dominant first-leg performance.
The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute, when Mason Mount ignited Old Trafford with a well-taken equalizer. The goal, United’s first shot on target in the match, marked a significant moment for the midfielder, who has endured a challenging spell since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Mount’s strike was his second in consecutive appearances for United, a remarkable turnaround for a player who had scored more in the last four days than in his previous 41 games for the club. The goal not only leveled the score on the night but also swung the momentum firmly in United’s favor, as Bilbao’s hopes of a comeback began to fade. Mount’s resurgence has been a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season, and his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments has endeared him to a fanbase that had grown frustrated with his earlier struggles. The midfielder’s performance served as a reminder of the quality that prompted United to invest heavily in him, and his growing influence under Amorim’s management suggests that he could yet become a cornerstone of the team’s rebuild.
As the match entered its final stages, United’s veterans stepped up to secure the victory. Casemiro, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances since arriving from Real Madrid in August 2022, delivered a commanding display capped by a towering header in the 79th minute. The goal, which came from a pinpoint cross by captain Bruno Fernandes, showcased Casemiro’s aerial prowess and underlined his recent improvement under Amorim’s guidance. The Brazilian’s resurgence has been a testament to the Portuguese manager’s ability to revitalize players who appeared to be past their peak, and his contribution on the night ensured that United would not only advance but do so with a win in the second leg. Casemiro’s header sparked wild celebrations at Old Trafford, as fans sensed that their team was on the brink of something special.
The scoring was far from over, as Rasmus Højlund added to United’s tally in the closing stages. The Danish striker, who has faced intense scrutiny for his inconsistent form since joining the club, converted from close range to notch his 11th goal of the season. The goal was a moment of vindication for Højlund, whose work rate and determination have often been overshadowed by his struggles in front of goal. As the clock ticked into added time, Mount capped a memorable night with a glorious second goal, capitalizing on an unguarded net to fire a long-range effort that sent Old Trafford into raptures. The strike was a fitting exclamation point on a performance that showcased United’s depth and determination, as well as Mount’s growing importance to the team. The 4-1 scoreline on the night, combined with the 3-0 first-leg result, sent a powerful message to United’s rivals: despite their inconsistencies, this team remains capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
United’s reward is a return to Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium on May 21, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. The matchup marks the first all-English European final since Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League and the first in the Europa League since Chelsea faced Arsenal in 2019. For United, the final represents an opportunity to claim a 45th major trophy, narrowing the gap with Liverpool, who lead as England’s most successful club with 47 trophies. The prospect of silverware is particularly enticing for Amorim, whose managerial career has been defined by his ability to deliver in big moments. Having won six trophies during his tenures at Braga and Sporting, the Portuguese tactician has already established himself as a serial winner, but a Europa League triumph would elevate his reputation to new heights. Amorim’s impact at United has been transformative, instilling a sense of belief and tactical discipline in a squad that had lost its way under previous regimes. His ability to navigate the challenges of a demanding season, while integrating young talents like Garnacho and Dorgu with seasoned veterans like Fernandes and Casemiro, has been nothing short of remarkable.
As United prepare for the final, the stakes could not be higher. A victory would not only end their eight-year wait for a European trophy but also provide a platform to rebuild the club’s identity as a dominant force in English and European football. For the fans, who have endured years of frustration and false dawns, the prospect of glory in Bilbao offers a tantalizing glimpse of what could be under Amorim’s leadership. The road to the final has been fraught with challenges, but United’s ability to overcome adversity in this semifinal suggests that they are ready to seize the moment. Whether they can deliver on the grand stage against a formidable Tottenham side remains to be seen, but for now, Manchester United and their supporters can dream of a night that could define the start of a new era.
