For a United side that has underperformed in domestic competitions, this final represents more than silverware—it’s a lifeline.
Image credit: Manchester United
On a night when Manchester United needed a hero, Mason Mount delivered in style.
The midfielder, whose Old Trafford journey has been riddled with setbacks, rose to the occasion with two stunning goals to power United past Athletic Club and into the Europa League final.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime and looking shaky despite a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg, United found themselves under pressure.
Athletic Bilbao, full of belief and energy, had reduced the aggregate deficit to two with a sensational 30-yard strike from Mikel Jauregizar.
Anxiety rippled through the 73,298 fans packed into Old Trafford.
Would United crumble again? Would history be made with the first-ever comeback from a three-goal deficit away from home in European knockout football?
Mount Answers the Call
Mount had been a peripheral figure since his £55 million transfer from Chelsea in 2023, sidelined for long spells with injuries and doubts surrounding his role in Ruben Amorim’s system.
But the 26-year-old made a bold statement when it mattered most.
Coming off the bench in the second half, Mount latched onto a clever short pass from Leny Yoro in the 72nd minute and curled a sublime shot into the far corner.
It was his third goal for the club—and by far the most crucial.
The strike shifted momentum decisively.
Casemiro added a second with a well-timed header from a Bruno Fernandes cross in the 79th minute, and Rasmus Højlund got in on the act six minutes later, finishing from close range after an Amad Diallo assist.
But Mount wasn’t done.
In stoppage time, he capitalized on a defensive mishap and, with Athletic’s goalkeeper stranded, floated a long-range finish into the empty net from 45 yards out.
It was the kind of goal that players dream about and fans never forget.
A Night to Remember, A Season to Save
Mount’s double secured a 4-1 victory on the night and a commanding 7-1 aggregate triumph.
More importantly, it propelled United into a mouth-watering all-English Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on May 21.
For a United side that has underperformed in domestic competitions, this final represents more than silverware—it’s a lifeline.
Winning would mean a return to the Champions League and a much-needed boost of approximately £100 million in revenue.
Despite their dominance in this semi-final, United’s flaws were still visible.
Harry Maguire’s mistake led to Bilbao’s opener, and Alejandro Garnacho spurned a great chance to level before halftime.
The inconsistency continues to haunt Amorim’s side.
However, with Casemiro regaining his early United form, Amad Diallo finally fit, and Højlund rediscovering his scoring touch, there are signs of hope.
Mount’s Redemption Arc
Mount’s journey at Manchester United has been frustrating.
Once a central figure for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, his career had seemingly stalled.
Injury after injury and performance dips led many to question if he could still deliver at the top level.
But against Bilbao, Mount showed he still possesses the instinct and quality to be a match-winner.
His performance was not only a personal triumph but also a reminder of why United invested heavily in him.
His confidence was evident in both goals, suggesting that the tide may finally be turning for the former Chelsea star.
