Manchester United officially punched their ticket to the Europa League final tonight to potentially lift the trophy for the second time in their illustrious history.
At San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on May 21, the Red Devils will lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur in an already hugely anticipated all-English tie. The two clubs are both in desperate need of silverware following lacklustre Premier League campaigns, with a win also securing one side’s spot in next season’s Champions League.
This evening, after a nervy half-hour of action in M16, Mason Mount found United’s breakthrough with a scintillating turn-and-finish within moments of his entrance to the fold.
United hit Athletic Club for four in emphatic second leg
The 72nd-minute strike to level the scoring on the night then opened the floodgates for the hosts. Casemiro headed home from a Bruno Fernandes set-piece just seven minutes later, before Rasmus Hojlund bagged a much-needed goal to add to his tally with a close-range contribution in the 85th minute.
In injury time, Mount sealed his brace when he spotted Julen Agirrezabala well off his line, allowing the midfielder to capitalise by steadying himself and scoring from just beyond the halfway line.
It’s safe to say Ruben Amorim’s men asserted their dominance across both legs by finishing with a 7-1 win on aggregate.
Amad singled out for praise by goalscorer Hojlund
Post-match, Hojlund reacted to an emphatic European night at the Theatre of Dreams, as well as the opportunity to contribute on such a high-stakes occasion. He singled out his assister for the goal, Amad, who has just returned to action following a lengthy injury setback.
“It’s not been the best season, but these are the moments you play for, and we’re playing for trophies,” the Dane told Bein Sports.
“It feels nice to score a scrappy goal. I was very happy that Amad played the ball – what a player.”
