Manchester United confirmed their place in the Europa League final following an incredible 4-1 comeback victory over Athletic Club at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were rampant 3-0 winners during last week's semi-final first leg in Bilbao and were grateful for their sizeable buffer as they entered half-time in Manchester one goal down on the night. Mikel Jauregizar's beautiful long-range effort gave the travelling supporters something to celebrate and set nerves jangling among the home faithful.
United continued to make life difficult for themselves after the restart but a moment of magic from substitute Mason Mount turned the game around. An excellent spin and finish just inside the penalty area restored the home side's three-goal cushion and destroyed any hopes of an Athletic comeback.
Casemiro put United ahead with ten minutes remaining after glancing home Bruno Fernandes' free kick, with Rasmus Hojlund then adding a third from close range following Amad Diallo's pick-out.
There was still time for Mount to add more gloss to the scoreline as he capitalised on a poor clearance from Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala and fired into an empty net from just inside the visitors' half.
Four goals in 19 minutes secured an impressive 7-1 aggregate victory for Ruben Amorim's side and a date with Tottenham Hotspur in what will be an all-English final back in Bilbao. The winner of that clash will earn handsome riches next season by qualifying for the Champions League.
Man Utd player ratings (3-4-2-1)
Player | Rating |
|---|---|
GK: Andre Onana | 6.1/10 |
CB: Victor Lindelof | 6.9/10 |
CB: Harry Maguire | 6.9/10 |
CB: Leny Yoro | 8.1/10 |
RM: Noussair Mazraoui | 6.9/10 |
CM: Casemiro | 8.5/10 |
CM: Manuel Ugarte | 7.3/10 |
LM: Patrick Dorgu | 7.6/10 |
AM: Alejandro Garnacho | 6.7/10 |
AM: Bruno Fernandes | 8.5/10 |
ST: Rasmus Hojlund | 7.7/10 |
SUB: Mason Mount (62' for Ugarte) | 8.9/10 |
SUB: Luke Shaw (62' for Mazraoui) | 6.6/10 |
SUB: Amad Diallo (62' for Garnacho) | 7.6/10 |
SUB: Harry Amass (81' for Lindelof) | N/A |
SUB: Kobbie Mainoo (81' for Casemiro) | N/A |
Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Tom Heaton (GK), Jaydan Kamason, Tyler Fredricson, Christian Eriksen, Bendito Mantato.
Athletic Club player ratings (4-2-3-1)
Player | Rating |
|---|---|
GK: Julen Agirrezabala | 5.1/10 |
RB: Andoni Gorosabel | 7.1/10 |
CB: Yeray Alvarez | 5.9/10 |
CB: Unai Nunez | 5.1/10 |
LB: Yuri Berchiche | 5.7/10 |
DM: Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta | 7.0/10 |
DM: Mikel Jauregizar | 6.2/10 |
RW: Alvaro Djalo | 6.1/10 |
AM: Alex Berenguer | 5.3/10 |
LW: Unai Gomez | 6.7/10 |
ST: Maroan Sannadi | 6.1/10 |
SUB: Oscar de Marcos (62' for Gorosabel) | 6.5/10 |
SUB: Aingeru Olabarrieta (62' for Djalo) | 5.9/10 |
SUB: Benat Prados (62' for De Galarreta) | 6.3/10 |
SUB: Gorka Guruzeta (67' for Gomez) | 4.7/10 |
SUB: Mikel Vesga (73' for Prados) | 6.0/10 |
Subs not used: Unai Simon, Adama Boiro, Aitor Paredes, Inigo Lekue, Alejandro Rego, Peio Canales, Iker Varela.
Player of the match: Mason Mount (Man Utd)
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