Mason Mount, the £60m midfielder who had faded into the shadows at Manchester United, reminded the football world of his brilliance last night. In a thrilling 4-1 comeback victory over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, Mount sparked a sensational second-half turnaround, securing United’s place in the 2025 Europa League final with a commanding 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
The Red Devils, who held a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Bilbao, looked rattled early on. Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar stunned the Theatre of Dreams with a superb strike in the first half, capitalizing on shaky defending from Harry Maguire. United struggled to find their rhythm, and the Basque side’s intensity kept the home crowd on edge for much of the match.
But manager Ruben Amorim’s bold triple substitution changed the game’s complexion. Mount, introduced as part of the tactical shake-up, proved to be the catalyst. The former Chelsea star equalized with a curling effort reminiscent of Federico Macheda’s iconic 2009 winner against Aston Villa, igniting Old Trafford and settling United’s nerves.
From there, the Red Devils shifted into overdrive. Casemiro headed United in front, Rasmus Hojlund extended the lead with a clinical finish, and Mount capped his unforgettable cameo with a stunning long-range lob in stoppage time. The 4-1 rout showcased United’s resilience and attacking flair, sending a clear message ahead of the final.
Mount’s performance was a revelation. His stats from the match tell the story: 100% passing accuracy (12/12), four duels won, two shots on target, two goals, one take-on completed, and one interception. Fans and pundits alike hailed his “30-minute masterclass” as a turning point in his United career.
Verified Match Details and Updates First Leg Result:
Manchester United 3-0 Athletic Club (May 1, 2025, San Mames Stadium). Goals from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes (2) gave United a commanding lead, aided by Daniel Vivian’s red card.
Second Leg Result: Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Club (May 8, 2025, Old Trafford). Mikel Jauregizar scored for Athletic, but Mount (2), Casemiro, and Hojlund sealed a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Key Moment: Mount’s equalizer in the second half shifted momentum, with his curling strike drawing comparisons to United’s historic goals.
Venue for Final:
The Europa League final will be held at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, on May 21, 2025, with a capacity of 53,331. Kick-off is expected at 9 p.m. CEST (8 p.m. WAT).
Opponent:
Manchester United will face Tottenham Hotspur, who advanced past Bodo/Glimt with a 3-1 first-leg win and a strong second-leg performance.
Next Match:
Premier League Clash with Wolves Before their European showdown, United return to Premier League action against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 11, 2025. With United languishing in 14th place, Amorim is expected to rotate his squad, treating the match as a warm-up for the final. The Europa League remains United’s priority, offering a chance to salvage a dismal domestic campaign with Champions League qualification.
A Final Shot at Redemption
The all-English final against Tottenham promises to be a blockbuster. Both clubs have endured torrid Premier League seasons—United in 14th and Spurs in 16th—but the Europa League offers a lifeline. Victory in Bilbao would not only secure a major trophy but also a coveted Champions League spot for 2025/26. For Mount, it’s a chance to cement his redemption arc and prove he’s worth every penny of his £60m price tag.
As United fans book their flights to Bilbao, the question looms: can Mount and the Red Devils deliver on the big stage? One thing’s certain—Old Trafford is buzzing again, and the Europa League final can’t come soon enough.
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