Manchester United Overcome Scare to Set Up Europa League Final Clash with Tottenham

Manchester United mounted a thrilling late comeback to beat Athletic Club 4-1 at Old Trafford, sealing a resounding 7-1 aggregate victory and booking their place in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Following a commanding 3-0 win in northern Spain last week — aided by Athletic going down to 10 men — the Red Devils returned to a buzzing Old Trafford, with fireworks crackling and red smoke filling the air. But despite the commanding first-leg advantage, doubts lingered over Ruben Amorim’s side, whose domestic form has been erratic at best.

True to recent form, United didn’t make it easy. Trailing with just 18 minutes to go, Amorim turned to his bench, introducing Mason Mount — a move that proved decisive. The midfielder, plagued by injuries and inconsistency since arriving at the club, delivered two stunning goals to ignite the Theatre of Dreams and steer United into the final.

Amorim made eight changes from the weekend’s 4-3 defeat to Brentford, reverting largely to the team that started the first leg. Athletic, meanwhile, were severely weakened. Dani Vivian was suspended following his red card, and manager Ernesto Valverde had to contend with the absence of key players, including Nico and Inaki Williams and top scorer Oihan Sancet.

Yet, it was the visitors who struck first. Mikel Jauregizar stunned the home crowd with a sublime 31st-minute strike, curling the ball past Andre Onana after United’s defence failed to clear their lines. It followed a nervy spell from the hosts, with Alex Berenguer twice threatening from distance.

United looked short of ideas for much of the first half, and although Alejandro Garnacho had a golden opportunity to equalise before the break, he failed to convert after being set up by the lively Patrick Dorgu.

Athletic started the second half with purpose, and United were forced into several scrappy clearances. The nerves inside Old Trafford were palpable. Both sides made triple substitutions just after the hour, and Athletic nearly made it 2-0 when Unai Gomez’s header flashed across the face of goal.

Then came the turning point. In the 72nd minute, Mount swiveled and curled a brilliant shot into the far corner to level the tie on the night and restore calm. That was followed by a thumping Casemiro header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, and minutes later, Rasmus Højlund bundled in United’s third.

Mount capped off a sensational cameo with an outrageous second goal in the dying minutes — a long-range effort from near the halfway line after a poor clearance from Athletic keeper Julen Agirrezabala left his goal exposed.

With the win, United not only reach the Europa League final but also keep their season alive. Lifting the trophy would secure a Champions League berth — a vital boost for Amorim’s rebuilding plans and the club’s ability to attract top talent this summer.

The final against Tottenham is set for May 21 in Bilbao — a mouthwatering all-English showdown with high stakes and redemption on the line.