Mason Mount has a night to remember after coming off the bench to inspire Manchester United to a 4-1 victory over Athletic Club, sealing the club’s place in the 2025 Europa League final.
Manchester United secured their place in the final after a nervy start to the night at Old Trafford, with Harry Maguire’s wayward pass after the half-hour mark, which proved costly as Andre Onana was beaten from distance by Mikel Jauregizar’s opener.
Despite a nervy first-half display from a passive-looking United, the tie was settled in the first leg as the Red Devils beat Athletic Club 3-0 when the Spanish side were reduced to 10 men.
Four goals in the final 20 minutes turned the second-leg on its head as United won 4-1 on the night and 7-1 on aggregate.
Mason Mount pulled one back just 10 minutes after coming off the bench before Casemiro headed home a second.
Rasmus Hojlund made it 3-1 with his sixth goal in the Europa League this season, before Mount completed a brace with a magnificent strike after the Athletic Club goalkeeper came off his line and lost the ball.
A long time waiting for Mason Mount
It was heartwarming to see Mount come off the bench and make such an impact in an important game for United.
You would be embarking on a mighty journey if you were to try to pick out a better 20 minutes from Mount in a United shirt and that should give him plenty of confidence ahead of the Europa League final.
It has been a frustrating period for Mount since his £60 million move from Chelsea, with the United midfielder struggling with injuries and unable to break into the team.
Speaking to TNT Sports during a live broadcast after the match, Mount said his hard work has paid off, but accepts it has been a long time coming.
“It was too long [waiting for a night like that]. I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.
“Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down.”
Mount reacts to first goals at Old Trafford
Mount already explained in his post-match interview that his performance felt like a long time coming, but that was also the case for his goals at Old Trafford.
The England international will be part of Thomas Tuchel’s thinking in the summer when he names his squad for the next round of internationals, especially if he can stay fit for the remainder of the season.
When asked about his second goal, Mount revealed that they were his first goals for United at Old Trafford.
“When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out I had it in my head if it comes to me, ‘first touch and shoot’. I didn’t want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net.
“The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us. For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I’ve been waiting a long time for. To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly.”
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