United Stun Athletic with Late Surge to Reach Europa League Final

Manchester United delivered a dramatic late comeback to secure a 4-1 win over Athletic Club on Thursday night, sealing a 7-1 aggregate triumph and setting up a mouthwatering Europa League final clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

In a tense semifinal second leg that tested the nerve of the Old Trafford faithful, United were forced to do it the hard way yet again — a familiar theme under manager Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign. Trailing with 18 minutes remaining, it was substitute Mason Mount who sparked a remarkable turnaround before the hosts romped home with four goals in the final quarter of an hour.

Fireworks, Nerves, and a Glimmer of Hope

A fiery atmosphere greeted the teams at the Theatre of Dreams following United’s commanding 3-0 win in Spain last week, but the sense of expectation was tempered by fans’ memories of this season’s frequent implosions. And sure enough, Athletic struck first on the night.

With injuries and suspensions plaguing Ernesto Valverde’s side — including the absence of Dani Vivian, and star forwards Inaki and Nico Williams — few would have expected the visitors to threaten United’s aggregate lead. But Mikel Jauregizar sent a stunning curling effort past Andre Onana in the 31st minute after some sloppy defensive play, silencing the home crowd and offering Athletic a glimmer of hope.

United’s first-half display was listless, disjointed, and riddled with nerves. Alejandro Garnacho wasted the best chance of the half after being played through by Patrick Dorgu, attempting an audacious dink that drifted wide. Athletic’s Alex Berenguer and Alvaro Djalo both threatened as United’s defence wobbled under pressure.

Mount Leads a Late Charge

After an hour of pedestrian football, both managers rang the changes with triple substitutions — Amorim introducing Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casemiro. The impact was immediate.

Mount, whose Old Trafford career has been hampered by injury and inconsistent form since his high-profile arrival, ignited United’s revival with a composed swivel and finish into the far corner in the 72nd minute. The goal lifted the stadium, and United suddenly looked transformed.

Five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross for Casemiro to head home, putting United ahead on the night and out of sight on aggregate. Rasmus Hojlund then tapped in United’s third of the evening following a goalmouth scramble, before Mount capped a sensational cameo with a long-range strike from near the halfway line after a wayward clearance by Athletic keeper Julen Agirrezabala.

A Much-Needed Boost for a Difficult Season

The victory keeps alive United’s hopes of salvaging something from what has been a torrid domestic campaign. Currently languishing in mid-table, Amorim’s side have flattered to deceive for much of the year, often following moments of promise with frustrating collapses. But securing a place in the Europa League final — and the accompanying Champions League qualification that would come with lifting the trophy — offers a vital opportunity to reset ahead of a critical summer rebuild.

For Athletic, it was a brave showing from a depleted squad. Valverde’s men controlled large spells of the game and briefly threatened an unlikely comeback, but ultimately lacked the firepower to punish United’s vulnerabilities.

A Showpiece Final Awaits

Manchester United now turn their attention to a blockbuster final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs reached the final with a thrilling win of their own, and the prospect of an all-English European decider will add extra intrigue to what promises to be a high-stakes clash.

United, for all their flaws, have a shot at European silverware — and if Thursday’s stirring late comeback showed anything, it’s that they still have players capable of producing magic when it matters most.

Final Score (Second Leg):
Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Club
Aggregate: Manchester United 7-1 Athletic Club

Europa League Final:
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur — Date and venue TBC

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