Ruben Amorim felt Manchester United’s fighting spirit helped mask their weaknesses as Mason Mount inspired a comeback victory against Athletic Bilbao to help set up an “all or nothing” Europa League final against Tottenham.
The Red Devils overcame a slow start to win 3-0 at a stunned San Mames and did so again having stuttered in Thursday’s semi-final second leg at Old Trafford, where Mikel Jaureguizar brilliantly put Ernesto Valverde’s visitors ahead.
Substitute Mount settled nerves in the 72nd minute with a fantastic turn and finish, with Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund scoring before the United midfielder wrapped up a 4-1 victory with a stunning strike from distance.
WHAT A COMEBACK.WHAT A WIN.WHAT A CLUB.
SEE YOU IN BILBAO 🏆#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 8, 2025
The 7-1 aggregate semi-final triumph flattered the Red Devils, who will now return to Bilbao to take on fellow Premier League strugglers Spurs in an mouthwatering all-English final on May 21.
“It was a good result,” United head coach Amorim said. “I think if you look at both games it was so much tougher than if you look just to the result.
“We have so many (areas of) weakness and you can understand that in the game, but we are fighting and we managed to pass (through). I think we deserve, if you look at two games, to be in the final.”
The Europa League final sees the sides 15th and 16th in the Premier League standings go head to head, offering both the chance to save their seasons with silverware and Champions League qualification.
Spurs have already beaten United three times this term and Amorim is hoping it will be fourth time lucky.
“Every game has its history,” Amorim said. “So, we lost the three last games, we can win this one.
“So, if you look at the odds, we are closer to win than to lose. Both teams are going to play like all or nothing in this kind of game. It’s quite similar.
“The position of the coach is quite similar. I know that Ange (Postecoglou) has one more year. It is different the context, but we are struggling, both of us.
“So, I don’t know what is going to happen – that is a good thing and a bad thing with this team. I never know. I will try to prepare the game, but I think we are improving.
“If we have more solutions… and you can see that we can take (Alejandro) Garnacho that gives us the speed the transition for Amad (Diallo), and to have that possibility can help us to win games.
“Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, all these players we can choose from these players, and to prepare a final in a better way.
“We have to understand that it’s a final. It’s completely different from Premier League games.”
Thursday was a particularly sweet evening for Mount, who has endured all manner of injury setbacks since his big-money move from Chelsea to United in July 2023.
Put to Amorim he had a massive smile on his face when the England international struck from distance, he said: “Not just me. If you look at the bench, that is the best thing.
“That is the best feeling as a coach when we look at the other guys on the bench, and they are so happy for Mason Mount because everybody in that dressing room sees Mason Mount doing everything he can to be available.
“He’s a really good player and you can see both goals are really, really good goals.”
[(Sanfrecce Hiroshima) Strength]: 1. Forward Kosuke Kinoshita has scored 6 goals for the team so far this season and is the top scorer of the team. He is still the best choice to start in this game.2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 0-0 with Shimizu S-Pulse in their last game, ending their winning streak. However, the team have achieved an unbeaten record of 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches, sho...
[(Mallorca) Strength]: 1. Mallorca finished 10th in La Liga last season. This season, there have been few changes in their squad, and they have the potential to challenge for a place in European competitions. Facing FC Barcelona, despite knowing there is a gap in strength, Mallorca are striving to earn points and keep unbeaten, so they are motivated.2. Mallorca have signed new players in the summe...
[(Tottenham Hotspur F.C.) Strength]: 1. This time playing at home, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. are determined to win and secure a victorious start to the new season, and their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. underwent significant changes during the offseason, appointing Thomas Frank as their new head coach while bolstering the squad with quality signings including Mohammed Kud...
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[(Villarreal) Strength]: 1. Villarreal are playing at home in the first game of the new season in the league and surely hope to have a good start. Their fighting spirit is very strong.2. Ayoze Perez scored 19 goals for Villarreal in the league last season, demonstrating an outstanding individual performance.3. During the off-season, Villarreal signed midfielders Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and...
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[(Liverpool F.C.) Strength]: 1. Liverpool F.C. won the English Premier League title last season and naturally are eager to defend their title in the new season. In the first match against AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool F.C. are striving for victory and have a high fighting spirit.2. Liverpool F.C. striker Mohamed Salah scored 29 goals in the English Premier League last season and won the Golden Boot.3...
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