Manchester United qualifies for the Europa League final, although the path was not easy and made it clear why this competition has become their saving grace.
After winning 3-0 in the first leg in Bilbao, United faced an Athletic Club weakened by injuries and suspensions. However, a place in the final was not secured until the 70th minute, at which point Amorim’s team could breathe easy.
Mason Mount’s first goal at Old Trafford, more than 18 months after his arrival from Chelsea, unleashed euphoria in the stadium, although the celebration was more of relief than jubilation. The goal equalized the score at 1-1 and calmed the fans’ nerves in the face of Athletic Club’s good performance.
Subsequently, goals from Casemiro, Rasmus Højlund, and Mount himself sealed the 4-1 and a 7-1 aggregate score, ensuring a festive atmosphere. Despite their vulnerabilities, United are heading to the final.
It was a good result, but if we analyze both matches, it was much more difficult than the score indicates. We have many weaknesses, and it showed in the game. But we are fighting and I think we deserve to be in the final for what we showed in the two matches.
Ruben Amorim
Only one team has failed to qualify in a European tie after winning 3-0 away from home in the first leg. United were close to being the second.
Before the match, the club’s social media warned that “the tie was not decided”.
The fans, accustomed to excitement at Old Trafford, knew it wouldn’t be easy. And for the first 70 minutes, the team seemed determined to prove it.
At nine minutes, Álex Berenguer had the first opportunity, but his shot went over the crossbar. United did not show their best version in the initial stages, repeating the pattern of the first leg.
The passes were not accurate, duels were lost and Athletic Club, despite the absences, took advantage of the situation.
In the 30th minute, Harry Maguire gave the ball away. Seconds later, Mikel Jaureguizar, with a great goal, made it 1-0. A hope for the 5,000 Athletic Club fans who traveled to Manchester.
Alejandro Garnacho had the opportunity to equalize before halftime, but his shot went wide. Athletic Club continued to press after halftime, raising the tension in the stands.
After an hour, Amorim made changes: Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui left the field to bring on Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, and Mount. Fernandes moved back to midfield, and the control that Amorim had been seeking all night finally arrived.
Mount scored, breaking the resistance of Athletic Club. When Mount scored the fourth goal in stoppage time, Amorim could smile.
The substitutes changed the game. That is the merit of the players. I felt we needed more energy. We needed to maintain possession of the ball.
Ruben Amorim
Tottenham awaits in the final on May 21st, with a title and a place in the Champions League at stake. United needs the Champions League for financial reasons.
The Champions League money is not the most important thing, even winning a title as a coach, it’s that feeling, that feeling that we can do good things. It’s the feeling that we can change things. It’s the least we can do for these fans for the support they give us in this difficult season. If you don’t win, it’s nothing. We are happy to be there. We’ll see.
Ruben Amorim
United will play its ninth European final in its history.
