Mount’s Masterclass Seals United’s Europa League Final: United 4 – 1 Bilbao & Player Statistics
In a captivating Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford, Manchester United overcame an early scare to deliver a resounding 4-1 victory over Athletic Club, securing their place in the final with a dominant 7-1 aggregate scoreline. The night belonged to Mason Mount, the once £60 million midfielder who announced his return to prominence with a stunning two-goal performance, igniting a comeback that propelled United towards a mouthwatering all-English final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite a shaky start and falling behind, Ruben Amorim’s tactical adjustments and the inspired introduction of substitutes turned the tide, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for Champions League qualification.
Early Nerves and a Basque Beauty
Despite holding a comfortable three-goal lead from the first leg, Manchester United displayed a degree of nervousness in the opening exchanges. Athletic Club, with nothing to lose, pressed high and looked to unsettle the home side. Their efforts were rewarded just after the half-hour mark with a moment of brilliance from Mikel Jauregizar. A long ball over the top caught Harry Maguire out, and after a blocked shot, the ball fell to the Athletic midfielder, who unleashed a breathtaking curling strike from 30 yards out that nestled perfectly into the top corner, momentarily injecting tension into the Old Trafford atmosphere and reducing United’s aggregate lead to two.
VAR Drama and Squandered Chances:
The opening half was not without its contentious moments. Patrick Dorgu went down in the Athletic penalty area under a challenge, prompting a VAR check, but the penalty appeals were ultimately waved away. Just before halftime, Alejandro Garnacho squandered a golden opportunity to equalize on the night and extend United’s aggregate lead, chipping wide when through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. These moments highlighted United’s early discomfort and inability to capitalize on key chances.
Amorim’s Tactical Gambit and Mount’s Magic Touch
The second half saw Athletic Club continue to apply pressure, with Unai Núñez going close with a header. However, just after the hour mark, Ruben Amorim made a decisive triple substitution, introducing Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and Leny Yoro. This tactical shift proved to be the catalyst for United’s resurgence.
Mount’s Equalizer: A Spark of Macheda
In the 72nd minute, Mason Mount announced his return in spectacular fashion. Receiving the ball just inside the box, he executed a beautiful turn before unleashing a pinpoint accurate finish into the bottom corner, drawing comparisons to Federico Macheda’s famous strike against Aston Villa in 2009. This goal not only calmed the nerves at Old Trafford but also visibly injected confidence into the United side.
Casemiro’s Clutch Header and Fernandes’ Record Assist
Just eight minutes later, United took the lead on the night. Bruno Fernandes delivered a teasing cross into the box, and Casemiro, demonstrating his predatory instincts, ghosted in behind the defense to glance a header (or possibly his shoulder) past the Athletic goalkeeper, putting United back in control. This assist marked Fernandes’ 19th in the Europa League, a new competition record, further solidifying his importance to the team’s European ambitions.
MASON MOUNT
Mount’s Exquisite Finale
In added time, Mason Mount capped off his sensational cameo with an even more breathtaking goal. Capitalizing on a poor clearance from the Athletic goalkeeper, the midfielder spotted the opportunity and unleashed a stunning long-range lob from around 45 yards out, the ball sailing majestically over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net. This incredible strike sealed the emphatic comeback victory and sent the Old Trafford crowd into raptures.
Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper & Defence:
- Andre Onana (6/10):Despite the early goal, Onana surprisingly exuded confidence, particularly in dealing with aerial threats. He had little else to do after Athletic’s initial pressure.
- Victor Lindelof (5/10):Looked anxious and made several rash challenges, raising concerns about his suitability for the final.
- Harry Maguire (6.5/10):Made a costly error leading to the opening goal but also had moments of solid defending. His fitness for the final will be crucial.
- Leny Yoro (8.0/10):The epitome of composure in the United defense, also venturing forward to play a key role in Mount’s first goal with an assist.
Midfield:
- Casemiro (8.0/10): Despite a less dominant performance than in the first leg, his experience shone through in the latter stages, scoring a crucial goal and providing midfield stability. He was named Man of the Match by one outlet.
- Manuel Ugarte (6/10): Struggled in possession, giving the ball away too often, but worked hard out of possession and provided an assist.
- Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):Had some good defensive moments but also picked up an early booking, leading to his substitution.
- Patrick Dorgu (7/10):A bright spark on the left flank, offering incisive movement and creating opportunities, including a potential penalty shout.
Attack:
- Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):Lively but wasteful with his chances, including a significant one-on-one before halftime.
- Rasmus Hojlund (8/10):Led the line well and was a constant nuisance for the Athletic defenders, eventually getting his reward with a late tap-in.
- Bruno Fernandes (8.5/10):Quieter than usual initially but grew into the game, leading the team forward and providing the record-breaking assist for Casemiro’s goal.
Substitutes:
- Luke Shaw (6/10):Provided a more attacking outlet after coming on.
- Mason Mount (9/10):A game-changer, scoring two brilliant goals and completely turning the tide of the match.
- Amad Diallo (8/10):Had an immediate impact, providing an assist and causing problems for the Athletic defense.
- Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):Provided late stability in midfield.
- Harry Amass (6/10):Had a late chance to score.
Manager:
- Ruben Amorim (7/10):His decision to overload the team with defensive players initially backfired, but his game-changing triple substitution proved to be a masterstroke, with Mount’s introduction being particularly inspired.
The Road to the Final: A Journey of Ups and Downs
Manchester United’s journey to the Europa League final has been marked by ups and downs, but the team has shown resilience and determination throughout. With a strong squad and a talented manager, the Red Devils will be confident of bringing home the trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur will be Manchester United’s opponents in the Europa League final, and the match promises to be an exciting affair. The two teams have a long history of competition, and the final will be a thrilling encounter.
What is your thought on the match, who was your outstanding Player of the Match? Predict the outcome of the Europa League Final
(Below is the comment Section, we would like to know your view).
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