Topics: Manchester United, Europa League
Manchester United gave themselves an incredible chance to save a poor Premier League season by seeing off Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Man Utd followed a 3-0 win in Bilbao with a professional and determined display in the second leg at Old Trafford and any nerves caused by Mikel Jauregizar's first-half strike were eased by a brilliant equaliser from Mason Mount and banished entirely by Casemiro's clever header with just over ten minutes left on the clock.
United will play in a mouth-watering Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao later this month and eased through the semi-finals with what turned out to be an emphatic 7-1 aggregate score.
Despite the comfortable win, Red Devils fans on social media picked out two players they don't trust to start the final in the Basque Country.
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Misfiring striker and Juventus target Rasmus Hojlund looks certain to leave the club in the summer transfer window and was ineffective again throughout both legs of United's semi-final tie until a close-range finish added some gloss to the result by putting Amorim's side 3-1 up on the night.
Alejandro Garnacho blows hot and cold but some United fans on social media aren't convinced he can play with the Danish frontman.
"I'm convinced that Hojlund and Garnacho aren't compatible," posted one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
"No way we win the final with Hojlund, Garnacho and [Andre] Onana," said another, adding United's under-fire goalkeeper to the list.
"For the love of God, Garnacho shouldn’t start in the final. Let him play from the bench. Give me Mainoo, Amad and Bruno instead," wrote one user. "You can’t be wasting chances in competitive competitions when they might be the only ones you get. He suffocates me goddam!"
Another cut right to the quick with his review: "Hojlund can’t start in the final man."
Mount fired in a gorgeous long-range fourth in stoppage time, sending United into the final in the highest of spirits.
Amorim won't see the Europa League final as adequate ballast for a disappointing Premier League campaign since taking over from Erik ten Hag but qualifying for the Champions League against all the odds would be a wonderful way to finish 2024-25 in surprisingly positive style.
