United Advance to Europa League Showdown

Manchester United demonstrates why they needed this tournament to save their season by making it to the Europa League final.

Despite facing an Athletic Club that was without several important players, Man United led 3-0 after the first leg in Bilbao and barely made headway in the 70th minute.

Following Athletic Club's impressive performance, Mason Mount's first Old Trafford goal—eighteen months after signing from Chelsea—brought both comfort and delight by tying the score at one.

Three late goals by Rasmus Højlund, Casemiro, and Mount made the final scores 4-1 and 7-1, ensuring a celebration. Despite their shortcomings, United is headed to the championship game.

Only once in the history of big European knockout matches has a side lost after winning the first leg 3-0 away from home. Despite this, United made a lot of effort.

Before kickoff, the club's social media pages stated that "this tie isn't over," as if to avoid any complacency.

However, Old Trafford gamegoers this season are aware that they shouldn't count on a smooth trip. And the team seems intent on proving them correct for the opening seventy minutes.

When Álex Berenguer hit the bar, the game was 9 minutes old. In Bilbao, United had a rough start, and this game was no exception.

Despite the absence of Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, Dani Vivian, and Oihan Sancet, Athletic Club capitalized on wayward passes and lost duels.

Maguire unnecessarily handed up the ball in the half. Jaureguizar, 21, scored an incredible goal a few seconds later. A ray of optimism for Manchester's 5,000 Athletic Club supporters.

Alejandro Garnacho had an opportunity just before halftime, but he missed it following Patrick Dorgu's pass. Tension in the spectators increased after the interval as the Athletic Club applied pressure.

An hour later, Amorim had enough. Garnacho, Ugarte, and Mazraoui left, while Shaw, Diallo, and Mount arrived. Control recovered as Fernandes sank farther.

Athletic Club lost the battle after Mount's deft turn and shot gave them the lead. Nearly 50 minutes in, Amorim smiled as Mount chipped Julen Agirrezabala from 70 yards to make it 4-1 in stoppage time.

It was an up-and-down night in an up-and-down season. It's amazing that this comparison campaign is still going strong. A title and a Champions League spot are up for grabs for Tottenham in the May 21 final.

Whether United or Spurs are prepared to handle Europe's elite club competition is up for dispute, given that the teams are currently ranked 15th and 16th in the Premier League.

For financial reasons, United has to win the Champions League before Amorim's pivotal summer of transition.

But from a strictly athletic standpoint, you have to ask yourself if the Portuguese coach would rather have a slower season with more practice time so he can work out the issues.

In their history, United has advanced to their seventh European final. There have seldom been more people riding on it.