Mount’s Double Powers Man United Past Athletic Bilbao

With a dominant 4-1 second leg semi-final victory over Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on Thursday, Mason Mount scored twice as Manchester United earned their spot in the Europa League final.

United started nervous even though they had a 3-0 edge from the first game. When Mikel Jauregizar opened the score in the 31st minute, Bilbao turned around and punished a blunder by Harry Maguire whose misjudged clearance landed squarely on the Spaniard. The visitors finished the first half 1-0.

Mount brought United level in the 72nd minute, sliding home following a superb pass from Leny Yoro. With a strong header in the 80th minute, Casemiro then turned a well-executed free-kick from captain Bruno Fernandes back into United’s overall control.

Rasmus Højlund added a third five minutes later, completing a nice movement started by Amad Diallo, who made a clever cut-back from the byline.

With his second goal deep into stoppage time, Mount rounded off the evening with a stunning long-range effort from inside Bilbao’s half after gathering a lost ball.

“It was a long wait for a night like that,” Mount said following the game.

“I just carried on, trying to be upbeat while working hard daily in training. When the chance presented itself, I aimed to have influence. Tonight it paid off, he said.

Manchester United kept their perfect record in the competition by winning the tie 7-1 overall.