Manchester United stormed into the Europa League final in spectacular fashion on Thursday night, delivering a devastating late surge to overwhelm an injury-depleted Athletic Bilbao side 4-1 at Old Trafford and seal a 7-1 aggregate semi-final triumph.
Despite falling behind in the first half when Unai Jauregizar gave the visitors hope, United remained composed and found their ruthless edge in the final 20 minutes. Mason Mount, introduced from the bench, proved instrumental—scoring twice and sparking a relentless attacking onslaught.
Casemiro’s towering header leveled the match before Rasmus Højlund tapped in from close range to turn the tide.
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Mount then capped off the demolition with a sensational long-range strike, sealing a dominant performance that delighted manager Ruben Amorim and the home crowd.
Athletic Bilbao, led by Ernesto Valverde, began brightly and pushed to double their early lead, but a lack of clinical edge cost them dearly.
Their 0.79 expected goals paled in comparison to United’s 2.0, as the Red Devils exposed gaps in a fatigued and depleted Spanish side.
The result builds on United’s commanding 3-0 first-leg win in Bilbao and books their place in the final against domestic rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on May 21.
The match promises to be a thrilling climax to this season’s European campaign, with both Premier League clubs now one win away from lifting continental silverware.
Manchester United now shift focus to their next Premier League challenge against West Ham on Sunday, while Athletic Club must regroup quickly as they aim to secure Champions League qualification through LaLiga, starting with a crucial home game against Alavés.
