Manchester United could be crowned Europa League champions by the end of the month.
A dominant display akin to what they produced two nights ago when hosting Athletic Club for the reverse fixture next Thursday will punch the Red Devils’ ticket to the final, held in Bilbao on May 21.
It’s remarkable, given how the side has fared on all other fronts this term. To say 2024/2025 has been a turbulent one for United is an understatement, so the fact they could enter the summer having won a European trophy and simultaneously booked their spot in next season’s Champions League will set Ruben Amorim up tremendously for his first full season in charge.
United’s standout performers in Bilbao
Amorim certainly has his troops to thank for Thursday’s comfortable victory on the road, with the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire among the Reds to have received the most praise for their stellar showings at San Mames.
However, one player who was singled out by TNT Sports’ commentary panel was Leny Yoro. Darren Fletcher was keen for the youngster’s showing to not slip under the radar and said of him in the closing stages: “Nice and composed – he’s been like that all night. He’s got better and better as the season’s gone on.”
Yoro has been one significant silver lining for Amorim
Indeed, Yoro has only grown more comfortable since playing a more prominent role under Amorim.
Despite being signed by Erik ten Hag last summer, he never actually featured under the Dutchman due to the lengthy injury setback he sustained in pre-season. By the time he was deemed fit to make his debut, Ten Hag had been relieved of his duties.
Amorim was delighted with the prospect of working with such a prodigious starlet, instantly hailing him as a ‘special talent’ to the press when he took the reins in November.
The 19-year-old, who’d attracted interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain prior to his Old Trafford switch, has now made 29 appearances as a Red; 19 times as a starter.
