Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was full of praise for midfielder Mason Mount after the 26-year-old came off the bench to score twice in a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, securing a 7-1 aggregate triumph in the Europa League semi-final second leg on May 8, 2025. The result booked United’s place in an all-English final against Tottenham Hotspur, set for May 21 at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, and marked a significant milestone in Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.
The match at Old Trafford began with tension as Athletic Bilbao took a shock lead through Mikel Jauregizar, threatening to unsettle United despite their three-goal advantage from the first leg. With the home side struggling to find rhythm and nerves creeping in, Amorim made a decisive triple substitution just after the hour mark, bringing on Mount, Luke Shaw, and Amad Diallo. The move proved transformative, with Mount’s introduction sparking a dramatic turnaround.
Mount equalized in the 72nd minute, latching onto a pass from Leny Yoro and swiveling to bend a precise shot past Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. The Stretford End erupted, and Mount’s energy lifted the team. Moments later, Bruno Fernandes set up Casemiro for a headed goal from a free-kick, before Rasmus Højlund tapped in a cross from the lively Diallo. Mount capped the night with a stunning 45-yard strike, sealing United’s emphatic win and ending Bilbao’s hopes of a comeback.
Speaking after the match, Amorim beamed with pride over Mount’s impact, emphasizing the midfielder’s resilience and quality. “It wasn’t just me smiling when Mason scored,” he said, as reported by posts on X. “If you look at the bench, everyone saw Mason doing everything he could to be available. He’s a very good player. The two goals were very good. All the teammates were very happy for him.” Amorim’s admiration for Mount has been consistent since he took charge in November 2024, with the coach previously describing the former Chelsea star as a “proper footballer” who fits perfectly into his 3-4-2-1 system.
Mount’s brace was a rare moment of brilliance in a season plagued by injuries since his £55 million move from Chelsea in 2023. Limited to just 41 appearances for United, the England international has faced criticism and doubts about his future at the club. However, his performance against Bilbao offered a glimpse of the talent that made him a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021. “I’m so happy for Mason Mount, he is such a player,” Amorim told TNT Sports, highlighting the midfielder’s ability to change games in crucial moments.
The victory was a high point in an otherwise challenging season for United, who sit 15th in the Premier League after a 4-3 loss to Brentford days earlier. Despite domestic struggles, Amorim’s side has shown promise in Europe, with the Bilbao win following a dramatic comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals. Mount himself underscored the importance of the Europa League, telling club media that winning the competition is the “most important thing” for the team, especially given their league woes.
Amorim’s tactical acumen and faith in Mount have begun to silence skeptics, with the coach’s substitutions proving pivotal in turning the tide against Bilbao. The Portuguese manager, who described the first-leg 3-0 win in Bilbao as the “best result” of his tenure, now has his sights set on delivering United’s first European trophy since 2017. A final against Tottenham, who defeated United three times in domestic competitions this season, looms as a stern test, but Mount’s resurgence offers hope.