Manchester United thrashed Athletic Club 4-1 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final to book a spot in the final at Bilbao on May 21.
An aggregate win of 7-1 against La Liga’s best defence sent a powerful message to other teams regarding Ruben Amorim’s team and their capability to turn up when needed.
A three-goal advantage heading into the tie at Old Trafford should have meant a calm evening but it was anything but as the home side looked nervous from the off, and paid the price as the visitors took the lead through Mikel Jauregizar.
Heading into half-time, there was nervousness around the Theatre of Dreams with the Spanish side clearly dominating the game for the majority of the half.
Nervous first-half
And at the start of the second-half, Athletic went all out to try and grab the second goal and were all over the Red Devils until Amorim decided to make a triple change.
The introduction of Amad and Mason Mount completely changed the game as the hosts ran riot, scoring twice through the Englishman, including a brilliant left-footed effort from 10 yards inside the Athletic half.
Casemiro got his team’s second while Rasmus Hojlund got the third after Amad had bamboozled the Athletic backline and served it on a plate for the Dane.
The return from injury of both the ex-Chelsea ace and the Ivorian has been a huge boost for United and they have returned just in time for the business-end of the season.
Subs changed the game
There is a reason why the head coach has spoken so glowingly about the United No 7, he clearly knows that Mount can deliver for the club as he knows how to operate in the system while his work off the ball cannot be discounted.
All he needs to do now is remain injury-free. As for Amad, his ability to manoeuvre the ball in tight areas is something that Amorim has missed in recent weeks.
With Alejandro Garnacho, who missed two one-on-one chances in the first-half, you get a direct runner while Amad can do so much more.
With Tottenham Hotspur lying in wait in 13 days time at the San Mames, Amorim will hope his team can exact revenge for the three losses the team have suffered in domestic competitions this season at their hands.
Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
