Mount’s heroics fire Manchester United into Europa League final

Mason Mount delivered a stunning second-half performance to send Manchester United into the Europa League final after a 4-1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory. The England midfielder, plagued by injuries since his £55 million move from Chelsea in 2023, scored twice to inspire a remarkable turnaround after United went into halftime trailing.

Athletic Club stunned the home crowd in the 31st minute when Mikel Jauregizar unleashed a sensational 30-yard strike, cutting United’s aggregate lead to two goals and injecting tension into the tie. United, initially flat and mistake-prone, struggled to settle into rhythm, raising fears of a historic comeback by the Spanish visitors, who were the better side for long stretches of the first half.

But the game shifted decisively when Mount came off the bench. He fired home a precise shot into the far corner in the 72nd minute after a clever pass from Leny Yoro, quelling nerves and effectively killing off the tie. It was his third goal for United and the most significant since joining the club, marking a cathartic moment after 20 months of frustration and limited appearances.

Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund added goals in quick succession, further extending United’s lead. Then came the moment of the night: Mount, spotting an empty net from 45 yards out, lofted a sublime long-range effort for his second goal, sealing the result and sending Old Trafford into celebration.

The win sets up an all-English Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for May 21 in Bilbao. For United, the fixture offers a chance to salvage a difficult season and claim silverware under head coach Ruben Amorim, whose belief in Mount was rewarded in spectacular fashion.

Mount’s smile at the final whistle and during the team’s lap of honour said it all. Once a key figure for England at Euro 2020, his career had stalled due to recurring injuries. But Thursday’s brace hinted at a return to form, reminding fans and critics alike of his enduring quality and potential to become a vital asset for United once again.