Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has lavished praise on midfield duo Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo following the Red Devils’ emphatic display against Athletic Bilbao, sealing their place in the Europa League final with a commanding aggregate victory.
Despite trailing briefly at Old Trafford after Mikel Jauregizar’s 31st-minute goal reignited faint hopes of a Bilbao comeback, United quickly took control of the semi-final second leg with a clinical and composed performance. Holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Spain, Amorim’s men refused to rest on their laurels, responding in style to shut down any resistance.
Mount came off the bench to inspire the turnaround, netting twice in a sharp and dynamic showing, while midfield enforcer Casemiro and young striker Rasmus Højlund also found the back of the net to complete a 4-1 victory on the night—and a resounding 7-1 aggregate triumph.
Following the match, Amorim took time to highlight the contributions of Mount and Mainoo, two players he described as game-changers.
“I’m genuinely delighted for Mason Mount,” Amorim told reporters. “He’s the kind of professional who gives everything day in and day out—training hard, eating right, taking recovery seriously. When you have players like that, you want to see them succeed. Tonight, he came on and showed exactly what he’s capable of.”
The Portuguese tactician was equally impressed with young star Kobbie Mainoo, whose composure and vision in midfield continue to earn him plaudits.
“I really like Kobbie Mainoo,” Amorim added. “Sometimes, you come off the bench and completely change the rhythm and energy of a game. That’s exactly what both of them did. Their impact was immediate and vital.”
On Mount’s role, Amorim further elaborated: “He’s a tactical gift—he can operate as a central midfielder but also has the energy and intelligence to drift wide and make those dynamic runs like a winger. That versatility makes him a perfect fit for our system.”
With this result, Manchester United sets up an enticing all-English Europa League final clash against Tottenham Hotspur on May 21. The victory marks a significant milestone in Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, as he eyes silverware in what could be the beginning of a new era of success for the club.
