Rúben Amorim has named an unexpected star he really likes alongside Mason Mount following Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Athletic Club on Thursday evening.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final with a stressful 4-1 win over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, completing a 7-1 aggregate triumph.
United, already 3-0 up from the first leg, made a sluggish start and were punished when Mikel Jauregizar struck a brilliant goal to give the visitors a surprise lead. Alejandro Garnacho had a chance to respond before half-time but fired over, leaving United behind on the night but still in control overall.
Amorim made bold changes early in the second half, introducing Amad, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount to inject energy—and it worked instantly. Mount equalised with a superb curling finish, before Casemiro nodded in from Bruno Fernandes’ free kick to put United ahead. Rasmus Højlund added a third as the hosts took complete control.
Mount then capped off the night with a sensational strike from the halfway line, sealing a dominant performance and setting up a final clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim makes unexpected Mainoo admission
While Mount will be garnering a lot of praise for his performance in the final 30 minutes of the fixture, Amorim chose to give credit to a second substitute in the game’s final minutes.
United’s entire tie flipped on its head once Amorim introduced his changes, and Amorim was asked about why he chose to make the subs that he did in the second half.
“I feel like Nous [Mazraoui] had no energy at that moment,” Amorim explained. “Amad gave us something that you need to change games.”
Speaking further, he then looked to praise Mount for his performance, but also admitted that he “really liked” what he saw from Kobbie Mainoo during the final ten minutes of the game, which may be unexpected praise considering how little football Mainoo has seen since his injury return.
I’m so happy for Mason Mount, he is such a player. I really like Kobbie Mainoo, just ten minutes, but everything was good.”
Mount and Mainoo must start vs West Ham
With United now set to play in the Europa League final, they have two games in the space of five days ahead of the fixture in just under two week’s time.
United will host West Ham in their penultimate Old Trafford tie on Sunday afternoon before heading to London on Friday to face Chelsea, with the Europa League semi-final taking place on the following Wednesday.
With Mount playing 30 minutes and Mainoo seeing just ten minutes of action, Amorim must look to start both players as he prepares his side to face Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Garnacho has started the club’s last 14 fixtures as part of the front three, and after his rather indifferent display on the night preceding some fantastic moments from Mount and Mainoo, both players deserve a chance to shine from the start.
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