Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League final with a 4-1 win on the night and 7-1 aggregate victory against Athletic Bilbao, setting up a Battle of Britain clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United's progression to the final seemed virtually assured ahead of the second leg, with the Red Devils boasting a 3-0 lead from the reverse fixture in Bilbao, but a confident start from the visitors, capped by a crucial goal from Mikel Jauregizar just after the half-hour mark, left nerves building in Old Trafford going into the break.
Man Utd's shakiness continued into the early stages of the second half as Bilbao piled on the pressure, but a swathe of changes from Ruben Amorim helped his side regain control, and their three-goal aggregate lead was restored when substitute Mason Mount curled a shot into the bottom right corner, securing a Battle of Britain final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Old Trafford jubilation did not stop there, though, as Casemiro scored to put Man Utd into the lead, followed by a goal from Rasmus Hojlund and Mount's second, sealing a 7-1 aggregate victory as they march into the final.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Simply extraordinary from Manchester United - they just never do anything the easy way!
The Red Devils came from one-goal down on the night to secure a 4-1 second leg victory, ensuring they are just the seventh team - and only the second English side after Chelsea in 2018-19 - to reach the Europa League final without losing en route.
It was a bizarre performance for the first 70 minutes of the match, with Athletic Bilbao completely dominant as Man Utd largely failed to break out of their own half.
However, the introduction of Mount, Amad Diallo and Luke Shaw completely changed the game, with the Red Devils expressing much more attacking presence and intent - leading to the eventual turnaround and 4-1 win on the night.
As for Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish side will regret not making the most of their earlier control, as they were by far the better team for large portions of tonight's clash.
The absence of Inaki Williams, Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, who had collectively contributed to 53% of their goals before the game, was undoubtedly an influence on their struggles in front of Andre Onana's net, with their sole goal came from a stunning long-ranged strike by Jauregizar.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. ATHLETIC BILBAO HIGHLIGHTS
Mikel Jauregizar goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (31st min, Manchester United 0-1 Athletic Bilbao)
WHAT A STRIKE!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
Mikel Jauregizar strikes into the top corner from distance to score for Athletic Club 🤩
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Bilbao have the opening goal! Game on!
A loose ball forward should be comfortably dealt with by Harry Maguire, but the defender carelessly loses possession just outside the Manchester United penalty area.
Alvaro Djalo's initial strike is blocked, but only as far as Jauregizar on the edge of the area, and the midfielder perfectly picks out the top right corner to restore hope for the visitors.
Mason Mount goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (72nd min, Manchester United 1-1 Athletic Bilbao)
MASON MOUNT SCORES FOR MAN UNITED!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
He takes the ball with a quality turn, and curls it into the corner of the goal 🤩
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/M9ErA2HKbo
Manchester United are level, brilliant from Mount!
The hosts are enjoying a sustained period of attacking pressure, and they are on the attack once again as Leny Yoro drives through the middle of the pitch and into the Bilbao box.
The defender flicks the ball into the feet of Mount, who skilfully turns and curls a sublime effort into the bottom right corner - wonderful from Man Utd's number seven!
Casemiro goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (80th min, Manchester United 2-1 Athletic Bilbao)
CASEMIRO GETS ANOTHER FOR MAN UNITED!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
He gives them a 5-1 aggregate lead and pats the badge after scoring 👏
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Man Utd have another, Casemiro the scorer!
Bruno Fernandes has the opportunity to deliver a cross into the box from a free-kick on the right side, and the Portuguese midfielder delivers toward the near post.
Casemiro runs between two Athletic Bilbao defenders and the ball comes off his shoulder as it loops over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
Rasmus Hojlund goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (85th min, Manchester United 3-1 Athletic Bilbao)
MAN UNITED NOW LEAD 6-1 ON AGGREGATE 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
Rasmus Højlund gets the goal from an Amad assist 💪
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Hojlund adds a third, what a turnaround from the Red Devils!
Yoro once again drives through the middle of the park and plays the ball wide to Patrick Dorgu, who quickly lays the ball off to the onrushing Diallo.
Diallo races to the byline and cuts the ball across the box, where Hojlund is able to turn the ball into the net and add a third for Man Utd.
Mason Mount goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (91st min, Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Bilbao)
MASON MOUNT WHAT A GOAL!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
He drives the ball from just beyond the halfway line to get his second of the evening 🤯
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Magnificent from Mount!
A long ball forward from Man Utd is met by Julen Agirrezabala just outside his box, but the goalkeeper's clearance goes only as far as Mount on the halfway line.
Mount brings the ball down with a lovely first touch and quickly fires a left-footed strike over the backtracking goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MASON MOUNT
© Imago
Mount has had a difficult time since joining Manchester United from Chelsea, but tonight may well prove the turning point in his career at Old Trafford.
The midfielder came from the bench to score the equalising goal on the night, while he added a sensational second from just inside the Bilbao half to seal a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Mount's impact extended far beyond his goals, as he helped the Red Devils regain control of the match when Bilbao appeared the more likely to score again - a decisive contribution that ultimately sends Manchester United into the final.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. ATHLETIC BILBAO MATCH STATS
Possession: Manchester United 52%-48% Athletic Bilbao
Shots: Manchester United 11-11 Athletic Bilbao
Shots on target: Manchester United 5-1 Athletic Bilbao
Corners: Manchester United 0-2 Athletic Bilbao
Fouls: Manchester United 10-17 Athletic Bilbao
BEST STATS
Bruno Fernandes has contributed to 8 goals in his last 5 games in the Europa League.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 8, 2025
◉ 6 goals
◉ 2 assists
Running the show. 🎭#UEL pic.twitter.com/XNDxWiPOXK
Man United's impressive unbeaten run in Europe this season continues 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rlEZtluIKk
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Manchester United will briefly turn their attention to Premier League clashes with West Ham United and Chelsea, before matching up with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final later this month.
As for Athletic Bilbao, their focus will shift to the battle for a top four finish in La Liga, with crucial fixtures against Deportivo Alaves, Getafe, Valencia and Barcelona to round out the season.
Ellis Stevens
