Manchester United crush Bilbao to set up all-English Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United orchestrated a powerful comeback against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, winning 4-1 on the night and 7-1 overall, advancing to face Tottenham in the Europa League final.Despite holding a 3-0 advantage from the away leg, United initially struggled after conceding a brilliant strike from Mikel Jauregizar at Old Trafford.The introduction of Mason Mount and Amad Diallo as substitutes dramatically shifted the match's momentum, leading to a decisive United performance.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. Mount, who has struggled to establish himself since joining from Chelsea, displayed his quality with a skillful turn and finish into the far corner in the 72nd minute.A Bruno Fernandes cross found Casemiro for a headed goal seven minutes afterwards, followed by Rasmus Hojlund scoring from close range.Mount then added a spectacular second goal from near the halfway line in added time, capitalising on goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala's poor positioning.United now have an opportunity to salvage their disappointing season in the final against Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21.Tottenham advanced by defeating Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate."I'm just worried about the next game, trying to not get any injuries for the final," United manager Ruben Amorim told TNT Sports. "If we don't win the final, it means nothing for us."We have to have a full squad (against Tottenham), stay in the game and have a bit of luck and we have to be clinical."It's quite similar for me and (Spurs boss) Ange (Postecoglou). It is a tough moment (for us both) and one of us is going to win. It's going to be a big final."Fireworks and red smoke created an atmospheric scene at Old Trafford, following the impressive 3-0 victory against 10-man Athletic in Spain previously.Amorim selected the same starting eleven from the first leg, making eight alterations from Sunday's 4-3 loss to Brentford.Athletic were without suspended Dani Vivian and missing key players Nico and Inaki Williams, plus leading scorer Oihan Sancet.Alex Berenguer had early opportunities but failed to convert, before Jauregizar's excellent strike gave Athletic hope after Harry Maguire's error.United lacked attacking cohesion but Alejandro Garnacho should have equalised before half-time when put through by Patrick Dorgu.The second half began with Athletic controlling proceedings until both teams made triple substitutions after 60 minutes.Diallo's return from injury provided energy on the right wing while Mount added creative influence centrally.Mount, limited to 15 starts since joining in July 2023, demonstrated his ability with an excellent finish with 18 minutes remaining.Casemiro's header increased the lead before Hojlund scored, and Mount completed the victory with an outstanding long-range effort after Agirrezabala's clearance error.Currently 15th in the Premier League, United face their worst season since 1974's relegation, with Spurs one position below.Winning this competition would secure Champions League qualification, essential for attracting elite players during Amorim's planned reconstruction.