Mason Mount incredible, Alejandro Garnacho rubbish – Man United ratings v Athletic
Man United secured their place in the Europa League final in emphatic style with a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
The Red Devils went into this second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday (8 May) well in control of the tie following a 3-0 win in the first leg in Spain last week.
The visitors though gave themselves hope by taking the lead on the night thanks to a stunning strike from Mikel Jauregizar.
Man United though eased their nerves by taking a 4-1 aggregate lead with 20 minuts of normal time remaining thanks to a stunning turn and finish from substitute Mason Mount.
Ten minutes later the hosts made sure of their place in the final when Casemiro flicked a Bruno Fernandes free kick in off his shoulder.
With five minutes to go Rasmus Hojlund tapped in a pull back from another substitute in Amad from yards out to make it 3-1 on the night.
Mount though was not done there, as he put the icing on the cake in stoppage time by firing in spectacularly from long range with Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala off his line.
All that would secure a 7-1 aggregate win for Ruben Amorim’s side who are now set to face Tottenham in the final in Bilbao later this month.
| Man United last five games | Result |
| Wolves (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Bournemouth (A) | Drew 1-1 |
| Athletic Bilbao (A) | Won 3-0 |
| Brentford (A) | Lost 4-3 |
| Athletic Bilbao (H) | Won 4-1 |
Ruben Amorim can now rescue Man United season
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Man United squad in that clash with Athletic Club.
Andre Onana – 6
Not a lot he could do with the Athletic Bilbao goal and wasn’t tested too much otherwise.
Victor Lindelof (off for Amass, ’81) – 5
Like a number of his teammates, the centre-back didn’t look comfortable when Bilbao applied the pressure, and will be grateful to the first three substitutes for easing that.
Harry Maguire – 5
Maguire was the hero for Man United against Lyon in the quarter finals, but, it was his error that gifted the visitors a route back into the tie with the opening goal of the night.
Maguire error punished early
Leny Yoro – 7
Didn’t look as nervy as the rest of the defence, and produced a really clever assist for Mount to score that crucial first goal of the night for his side.
Noussair Mazraoui (off for Shaw, ’62) – 5
Picked up a booking in the first half, and didn’t get forward as much as Dorgu on the opposite flank.
Casemiro – (off for Mainoo, ’81 ) – 7
Covered plenty of ground but made some risky challenges even after being booked. Clever finish for the second goal.
Manuel Ugarte (off for Mount, ’62) – 5
One of many who struggled to keep possession for the hosts when they were under pressure from Bilbao in their own half.
Bruno Fernandes shines again
Patrick Dorgu – 7
Dorgu was denied a penalty for Man United in the first half after one of a number of dangerous runs which ultimately lacked an end product.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this week but showed why Man United will want to keep him. Brilliant passing range and another goal contribution by setting up Casemiro for the second.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Dropped deep with some runs to help create space, and even if it was a tap in, that late goal will mean a lot to him having posed little threat before that.
Alejandro Garnacho (off for Amad, ’62) – 4
Chelsea are understood to be interested in Garnacho, who endured another difficult night here where he struggled for an end product, not least when squandered a one-on-one moments before half time.
Man United substitutes ease the nerves
Substitutes
Luke Shaw (on for Mazraoui, ’62) – 7
Helped get his side forward to ease the nerves after coming on, will be pleased with his contribution.
Mason Mount (on for Ugarte, ’62) – 9 – Player of the Match
Three goals in two games and these two were incredible finishes. Covered a lot of ground as well to show his commitment to the cause. This week could prove to be a turning point in his Man United career.
Amad Diallo (on for Garnacho, ’62) – 8
What a boost it is for the club to have him back. Bright from the moment he came on and produced a great assist to get Hojlund a vital goal.
Harry Amass (on for Lindelof, ’81) – 7
Looked sharp and was denied a first senior goal late on.
Kobbie Mainoo (on for Casemiro, ’81) – 6
On to help see the game out for the final moments.