MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester United booked their berth in the Europa League final after a 4-1 semifinal thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, with Mason Mount scoring twice to give the hosts a 7-1 aggregate win and a chance for the beleaguered team to hoist some silverware this season.
United, who are languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, are now one win away from their first Europa League trophy since 2017 and a place in the Champions League next season.
They will face similarly struggling side Tottenham Hotspur in the all-Premier League final on May 21 at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium.
United kicked off the night with a comfortable cushion thanks to their stunning 3-0 victory a week earlier in Bilbao.
But Mikel Jauregizar put Athletic on the score sheet in the 31st minute after a terrible clearance attempt by Harry Maguire landed at the Spaniard’s feet and he unleashed a blistering shot from outside the box into the top corner.
The goal made for some nervy moments in Old Trafford but the mood shifted dramatically when Mount, a second-half substitute, drew United level in the 72nd minute to finally silence the 5,000 singing Athletic fans. The midfielder latched on to a short pass from Leny Yoro before turning and firing past goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.