Manchester United has a chance to recover its pride.
United have advanced to the Europa League final. Manchester United won a 4-1 victory with Mason Mount's multi-goal in the second leg of the Europa League semifinals of the 2024-2025 season against Athletic Clube at Old Trafford in Manchester, England on the 9th (Korea time). Manchester United, which won the first game 3-0 on the road earlier, reached the final with a total of 7-1 in the first and second games. Manchester United will compete for the trophy with Tottenham, who won a 5-1 victory over Bodo/Klimt.
The game was very important for United. Manchester United were at their worst this season. He replaced Erik ten-Hach at the beginning of the season and brought in Huven Amorim, who was called a young master in Portugal, but fell to 15th place in the league. It has booked its lowest points since the launch of the English Premier League (EPL), and has already lost 16 games, confirming its record for the most losses in a season.
He had his last chance to play in the European Champions League. Manchester United, which saved face by winning the FA Cup last season, also had a chance to lift the trophy this season. Manchester United will try to win the Europa League for the first time in eight years since the 2016-2017 season.
United pulled out Amorim's trademark 3-4-2-1 card. Rasmus Hoylun was at the forefront, while Leandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes were in the second line. Patrick Dorgu - Manuel Ugarte - Casemiro - Nusair Mazrawi was located in the waistline. The Three Back was built by Lenny Yoro - Harry Maguire - Victor Lindelöf. Andre Onana defended the goal.
Athletic countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Maroan Sannadi was one-top, and the second line was set up by Alex Berenger-Unai Gomes-Albaaro. Mikel Howe Regisar and Inigo Luis Degalareta were located in the midfield. Four Bags were set up by Yuri Berciche - Unai Nunes - Yerai Alvarez - Andoni Gorosabel. Julen Aguirresabalah wore goalkeeper gloves.
Athletic, which needs to score, has been aggressive from the beginning. Berenger's right footed shot, which received Gomes' pass in the 8th minute of the first half, went over the net. Athletic, who continued to push, scored the first goal in the 31st minute of the first half. Maguire's pass miss was intercepted by Zalo, and he tried to shoot as it was. Howe Regisar connected the ball that hit the body with a nice Gamagachi shot, and the ball was inserted into the corner of Manchester United's net.
Athletic chased by two goals, 1-3 on aggregate. Manchester United also fought back. 42 minutes missed a crucial chance. The ball that Dorgu stabbed into the back space was connected to Garnacho. Garnacho, who had a chance to face the goalkeeper, attempted a lobbing shot, which slightly missed the side of the net. In the end, the first half ended in a 1-0 Athletic lead.
The pattern was similar in the second half. Athletic's offensive continued. Director Amorim made a change. In the 17th minute of the second half, without Mazraoui, Ugarte and Garnacho, Luke Shaw, Mount and Ahmad Diallo were put in.
I hit the replacement card perfectly. Mount's one-man show took place. Mount equalized with a right-footed shot in the 27th minute of the second half after receiving a pass from Yoro. In extra time, he even scored a fantastic goal reminiscent of David Beckham's long-range goal.
Mount, who joined with much anticipation last season, was at his worst. He was given the number 7, the symbol of Manchester United's ace, but it did not meet expectations. He was criticized for being the worst number 7 in Manchester United's history. This season, he also suffered a hamstring injury and did not even play in the game.
However, the tide has recently changed. On the 4th, he scored a goal in the season against Brentford. It was the first goal in about 13 months since March 2024. Mount, who gained momentum, scored multiple goals in the second leg of the Europa League semifinals, which was important. Above all, it is encouraging that he is playing. For the second time since his transfer to Manchester United, he has made six consecutive appearances in the league.
For Manchester United, which has no other scoring resources than Fernandez, Mount's revival is simply a boon. Mount, which combines creativity and scoring ability, is coach Amorim's preferred second-line resource.
In addition to Maent's score, Manchester United turned the game around in the 35th minute of the second half when Casemiro connected Fernandez's free kick with a sensational header, and Hoyleun's net goal in the 41st minute. Manchester United celebrated their Europa League final with a 4-1 victory.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
