Manchester United crushed Athletic Club 4–1 at Old Trafford to seal a 7–1 aggregate win and book their place in the UEFA Europa League final. Mason Mount scored twice in the second half, marking his return from injury with a performance that changed the match’s tempo. Athletic were without key players, including Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, Dani Vivian, and Oihan Sancet, which showed in their lack of attacking edge.
United started brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Alejandro Garnacho missed a clear one-on-one in the 17th minute after Bruno Fernandes slipped him through. Marcus Rashford tested the keeper with a low drive moments later. But against the run of play, Athletic struck first. In the 29th minute, Ander Jauregizar intercepted a misplaced pass from Harry Maguire, drove forward unchallenged, and curled a superb shot into the top corner from 25 yards. It was Athletic’s only shot on target in the first half.
The goal rattled United, and Casemiro picked up a yellow card in frustration just before the break. Despite trailing on the night, United still led 3–1 on aggregate at halftime. Erik ten Hag responded with changes. In the 63rd minute, he introduced Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Amad Diallo. That shift transformed the game.
Mount equalized in the 72nd minute after Leny Yoro pressed high to win possession near the box. The ball broke kindly to Mount, who calmly slotted past the keeper with a low finish into the far corner. Seven minutes later, Casemiro made it 2–1. Fernandes whipped in a free-kick from the right, and the Brazilian met it with a glancing header at the near post to extend United’s lead.
In the 84th minute, United broke forward again. Amad led the counter-attack and squared the ball to Rasmus Højlund, who tapped in his seventh goal of the Europa League campaign. Athletic were stretched, and their back line couldn’t recover in time.
Mount capped the night with a stunning goal in stoppage time. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, he launched a 40-yard lob that curled perfectly into the net. The strike brought Old Trafford to its feet and secured Mount’s brace.
United ended the match with 62% possession and 18 total shots, including 7 on target. Athletic Club managed just 5 shots, only one of which tested André Onana. United completed 562 passes with 89% accuracy, controlling the game after the hour mark.
The win sends United into their first Europa League final since 2021, where they will face Tottenham in Dublin on May 21. Mount’s return, Amad’s impact, and Højlund’s continued scoring form give United momentum at a critical stage of the season.