‘Clumsy’… Mark Clattenburg says Man United fans are right to be ‘frustrated’ at VAR decision vs Athletic Club

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Manchester United got the job done against Athletic Club to claim their spot in the 2025 Europa League final.

After a 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Spain last week, Manchester United returned to Old Trafford for the second leg knowing all they needed to do was avoid a huge upset.

A goal from Mikel Jauregizar just after the half-hour mark had fans fearing the worst, but an incredible performance from Ruben Amorim’s side in the second half secured a spot in the Europa League final later this month.

Mason Mount was the star of the show for United with two goals off the bench. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also etched their names on the scoresheet to make it a comfortable evening for the Red Devils.

There was plenty of refereeing controversy in United’s first leg against Athletic Bilbao, and there was another dramatic talking point at Old Trafford.

Mark Clattenburg on Man United’s penalty appeal vs Athletic Club

Before Athletic Club had opened the scoring, United fans were up in arms over a penalty appeal that was rejected by referee Daniel Siebert.

Patrick Dorgu was heavily involved early on and he found himself running in behind Athletic’s defence with 21 minutes on the clock. He was brought to ground by defender Andoni Gorosabel, but United were denied a spot-kick.

Speaking exclusively to United in Focus, former Premier League and Champions League referee Mark Clattenburg gave his view on the incident.

“I can understand Manchester United being frustrated on not being awarded a penalty kick for a challenge on Dorgu,” Clattenburg said.

“The referee’s angle would suggest that the player goes down easily and, when falling, he throws his arms in the air which makes the referee think that any contact is not consistent with the fall.

“The VAR did a lengthy check and supported the onfield decision.

“I think it’s a clumsy challenge by the defender and he does catch Dorgu on the back of the leg so a penalty kick could have been awarded.

“I do also believe that this decision should stay with the on-field decision of the referee as it’s very subjective.”

Man United can look forward to Europa League final

It would have been a much more comfortable evening if Dorgu’s penalty appeal was awarded and United extended their aggregate lead to four goals from the penalty spot.

However, United never seem to do it the easy way. Eventually, it was a comfortable scoreline for the Red Devils, but there were a few too many nail-biting moments for United fans before the four-goal blitz.

With a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Club, United can now start turning their full focus to the final against Tottenham on May 21st.

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United’s season hinges on winning the Europa League, and now they are just 90 minutes away from potentially achieving that goal.

It is Amorim’s first European final as a manager, and he will be facing another Premier League boss under huge pressure in the shape of Ange Postecoglou.

United first have Premier League matches against West Ham and Chelsea to look forward to before flying back out to Bilbao for the final.