The forgotten £60m midfielder set the Red Devils on their way to the Europa League final with the first strike in an emphatic 4-1 comeback win
Mason Mount reminded Manchester United why they invested so much in him as the forgotten midfielder guided the Red Devils to an emphatic 4-1 win over Athletic Club, sealing their passage to their Europa League final with a 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
For much of the game, United did not look like a team with a comfortable lead from the first leg. They fell behind to a wonderful strike from Mikel Jauregizar after shaky defending from Harry Maguire and did not look comfortable for large parts of the second half. But Ruben Amorim responded with a triple change and Mount was the key part in a resurgent display.
The once England midfielder equalised with a curling strike which had shades of Federico Macheda's famous goal against Aston Villa in 2009. The goal calmed the nerves in Old Trafford but instead of settling down United turned on the gas and accelerated towards a resounding win.
Casemiro put them in front, Rasmus Hojlund then stretched their lead before Mount fittingly rounded off his stunning cameo with a long-range lob in added time. United will play Tottenham in the final at San Mames, where both sides will have the chance to avenge their truly terrible campaigns by qualifying for the Champions League.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
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Andre Onana (6/10):
Surprisingly transmitted security on a nervy evening for everyone else. Confident in the air, catching crosses which he would normally punch. Not much he could do about the goal.
Victor Lindelof (4/10):
Looked anxious throughout. Made several rash challenges and his positioning was poor. Amorim will hope he has better centre-back options for the final as he looks like the weak link.
Harry Maguire (5/10):
Made two big mistakes leading to Jauregizar's goal but also did well to clear his lines on other occasions. A reminder that he is far from flawless even though United will be praying he remains fit for the final.
Leny Yoro (8/10):
The calmest and most authoritative defender wearing red although he did much more than defend. Shuttled forward like a prime era Gerard Pique and played a big part in Mount's clincher.
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Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Made a couple of good clearances and some poor ones. Picked up an early booking for an elbow and it led to him being taken off for Shaw.
Casemiro (6/10):
A shadow his dominant performance at San Mames for much of the game but showed his class and enduring winning mentality once the substitutes came on. His aggression helped pin Athletic back and showed excellent movement to sneak in behind the defence to glance in Fernandes' cross to give United the lead.
Manuel Ugarte (4/10):
His passing was very loose and he gave the ball away too often and in dangerous areas. Predictably taken off on 62 minutes.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
One of the brighter sparks, offering incisive movement down the left. Played a lovely ball to Garnacho which the Argentine wasted and could have had a penalty when he went to ground from a challenge from Andoni Gorosabel.
AFPAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Lively as usual but fluffed all his best opportunities. Julen Agirrezabala beat him to one through ball and then saved a one-on-one. His best chance was right before half-time when he dinked the ball wide of the near post when he had the time to dribble round him.
Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):
Led the line well albeit without creating much danger until he rubber stamped the victory with his close-range tap in.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Quieter than usual both in terms of his play and body language but he grew into the game and led the team forward in their excellent latter spell. Set up Casemiro's goal for his 19th Europa League assist, a competition record.
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Mason Mount (10/10):
The impact United had in mind when they paid Chelsea £60m for him. His brilliant goal settled all nerves and he was on fire from then on. Pulled off a stylish back-heel before having the final say with his audacious lob.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Helped United get a grip on the game.
Amad Diallo (8/10):
His energy and verve put fear into Athletic and paved the way for the comeback. Provided the cross for Hojlund's strike.
Harry Amass (N/A):
Got involved in the forward play as United ran riot.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Came on at the perfect time.
Ruben Amorim (9/10):
Diagnosed the problem perfectly with his substitutions, which turned the game right back in his side's favour. And six months after taking charge he's taking the team to a European final.