Manchester United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter at Old Trafford

Image source, PA Media

The smile across Mason Mount's face as he took part in a walk of honour with the rest of his team-mates at the end of the game told its own story about the 26-year-old's stalled career.

An integral part of the England side that reached the final of Euro 2020, Mount's career has never got going following his move north from Chelsea in 2023.

Injury has followed injury and frustration has piled on frustration.

Yet United head coach Ruben Amorim has said on more than one occasion that Mount could be just the right man to fit his system, either in one of the two advanced attacking roles or in midfield.

Others have been more sceptical and even on this latest comeback, which began five weeks ago, there have been precious few signs of the talent of old.

How much of a weight is lifted off Mount's shoulders with his double effort remains to be seen.

But both finishes underlined an inherent confidence that has been retained despite all the doubts repeated setbacks bring.

Mount can only hope it marks a screeching U-turn on what has gone before.

Image source, Daily Express and Mail

"It's a full English in the Europa League final," jokes the Daily Express back page after both Manchester United and Tottenham thrashed their semi-final opponents over two legs.

Spurs are bidding to end a 41-year wait for European success and a first trophy of any kind in 17 years, while United know a win would secure their second European trophy in eight years.

All eyes are now on Wednesday, 21 May.

Image source, Guardian / Telegraph

Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for Sunderland's 19-year-old English midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who has also been scouted by Manchester United. (Talksport), external

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, 27, who is on loan at Aston Villa, is eyeing a move to Barcelona this summer. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Neither Tottenham or Manchester United's squads are "ready" for Champions League football, says former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The two clubs will play out an all-English Europa League final on 21 May in Bilbao, with the winner securing a place in the Champions League next season.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Robinson said: "Before the game, I said that both of these squads aren't ready for the Champions League. Both need the Champions League and the influx of money that it brings and they'll have to recruit heavily in the summer to compete at the top end of the competition.

"A club of the size and stature of Manchester United and the recent history of where they've been and where they're trying to get to, Champions League was part of their staple diet and it hasn't been for a number of years, regularly guaranteed and especially now with the change of manager and where they are this season.

"For Tottenham, the immediate silverware and the influx of money it brings and some kind of stability is important, and United just being associated with that competition once again."

Ex-United defender Phil Jones added: "I know people talk about how Manchester United has lost its attraction for players but it'll never lose that because it's the biggest club in the world.

"It's a bit disrespectful to say it's bigger for one club or the other but I do think, for United to get back in the Champions League, it's a huge step in the right direction.

"The league form has been nowhere near what's expected this season but it gives them a platform to try and implement something better next season and try and attract higher calibre players.

"You can't call it. It's a massive game for both clubs. I'm not sure, if Spurs do or don't win the final, Ange Postecoglou will be in charge next season. I think they've already made their mind up."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's the least we can do for these fans, for the support they have given us in this tough season. I'm stressed already because of the final. If we don't do it, it means nothing, but we're happy to be there so let's see.

"I know I should be a better manager and the team should be better at this moment but we're trying. We did quite well in Europe but we are struggling in the Premier League."

On two-goal Mason Mount: "I'm so happy for him. He is such a player. He works really hard, he has quality. I really like Kobbie Mainoo, just 10 minutes but everything he did was really good and sometimes you're on the bench and can change the game.

"When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player you just want to help him. He is perfect for this position as he can be a midfielder, but also runs like a winger so I'm really happy for him.

"When you have a full squad you can think about the game. Sometimes we're surviving with people in different positions, but with more options you can change the game and push forwards and these things can help you win games."

On fitness and upcoming games: "I'm just worried about the next game, trying to not get any injuries for the final. If we don't win the final, it means nothing for us.

"We have to have a full squad [against Tottenham], stay in the game and have a bit of luck and we have to be clinical.

"It's quite similar for me and Ange [Postecoglou]. It is a tough moment [for us both] and one of us is going to win. It's going to be a big final and we will try to win.

"It's hard to describe what it's like to be manager of this club and you want to give them [the fans] something because we were so disappointing in the Premier League. We want to give something to the fans."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's Mason Mount, who scored twice, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was too long [waiting for a night like that].

"I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

"Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."

On his second goal: "When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out I had it in my head if it comes to me, 'first touch and shoot'. I didn't want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net.

"The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us. For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I've been waiting a long time for. To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are through to their ninth major European Final, and their first since the 2020-21 Europa League (lost to Villareal 11-10 on penalties).

United remain unbeaten in their 14 games in the Europa League this season (W9 D5) - the most matches they have ever played in a single European campaign without losing.

Meanwhile, Mason Mount became the first substitute to score a brace in a European knockout match for United since David Beckham against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in April 2003.

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Three English teams feature in Thursday's Europa League and Conference League semi-final second legs, and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

Europa League

• Manchester United (3) v Athletic Bilbao (0) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Bodo/Glimt (1) v Tottenham (3) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Conference League

• Chelsea (4) v Djurgarden (1)

• Fiorentina (1) v Real Betis (2)

All kick-off times 20:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

With the way that Manchester United have been this season domestically, you could see a world whereby this second leg against Athletic Bilbao does not go the way they want.

But in Europe, United's record has been very different.

I do not feel United play differently in Europe - it is just the kind of teams they are facing. In the Premier League, sides have shown they have got the number of this version of United.

That is because they play them twice a year and have done in many cases for the past ten years or more. Teams know what they are coming up against, the players and the stadium. For most sides in Europe, this is their first time at Old Trafford for years or possibly in their career. They do not really know how best to play against them.

That is why, in reality, taking a three-goal lead to your home ground means it is highly likely you will get through. They know they can do well against this Bilbao side, as we saw last week. While the tie is not done and dusted - it would be wrong to say that it is - anyone thinking about what could go wrong is talking worst case scenarios, not probable ones.

I am a believer that United have got enough professionalism within that squad and can make the stadium as hostile as they need to be to be able to get through. They have got plenty of whatever they need to be able to make it to the final.

It does not need to be beautiful - it just needs to finish with them getting a chance to play for the Europa League trophy.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

• Not a United fan? Find and follow your club here

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have scored 31 goals in this season's Europa League – more than any other side.

Only in 2002-03 (32) and 2020-21 (34) have they ever scored more in a single campaign in major European competition.

Manchester United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen's Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick, 29, this summer. (Caught Offside), external

The Red Devils are also keeping an eye on 25-year-old Italy and Fiorentina forward Moise Kean. (Footmercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, PA Media

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has refused to rule out the prospect of his depleted squad turning their Europa League semi-final around at Manchester United.

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at home, Bilbao will be without suspended defender Dani Vivian, as well as top scorer Oihan Sancet and injured forward duo Inaki and Nico Williams.

Nevertheless, Valverde insists he is making the trip to Old Trafford believing they can still make the final.

"I am focusing on those players that are going to be doing a job for us tomorrow," Valverde said. "There's no point thinking about the ones who aren't here. We know we've got some key injuries, but it's about the ones who are on the field.

"It's not going to be easy. We know it's tough because the result is pretty much against us. We also know how high quality our opponents are and their stadium, but this is football. Anything can happen.

"That's what we always hope for, and we're hoping for the best like we always do."

Inaki Williams and younger brother Nico, who have 11 goals apiece this term, have been ruled out with hamstring and groin issues respectively.

Striker Sancet, who has 17 goals this season, missed last week's first leg with a hamstring injury and has been unable to recover in time

Valverde added: "If they could have been here, they would have been here because this is the most important game of the season.

"Manchester United are a side that don't let you off. If you make mistakes, they punish you. Football is what it is.

"We've got to go for it. We want to eradicate mistakes, and then impose our style of play on the game like we always do, taking into account the opponent and the surroundings.

"We want to try and win."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho says he is "happy" at the club and just needs to "show the manager I need to play".

There has been speculation around the future of the 20-year-old this season, with interest from fellow Premier League side Chelsea reported in January.

Garnacho struggled to become a consistent starter when Ruben Amorim first came in as head coach and was dropped for their league game against Manchester City in December, however, he has since become a regular in the team under the Portuguese.

"Obviously as a footballer you want to read and listen to some rumours about the future but I have a contract here until 2028. I am happy here," said the Argentina international.

"We know we have to work hard to be even in the squad and I just have to train well every day and I will be available for all the games.

"I think it is not easy when in the middle of the season you change the manager and all the staff but, in my mind, it is always try to work hard every day and show the manager I need to play and that is the only thing I need to do."

Garnacho will be hoping to play a key role in securing the side a place in the Europa League final and a place in next season's Champions League if they can lift the trophy.

United host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg.

"We know we are not doing a great job in the Premier League, but the manager said before - we follow the rules and now it is a final tomorrow.

"We want to face the game like it is 0-0 and if we win the Europa League we will be in the Champions League and can face the season in a better mentality."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was fairly clear about his thoughts on Bruno Fernandes.

United wanted, Amorim stated, to keep their best players - and Fernandes was undoubtedly one of them.

However, the situation is not quite so clear cut.

Amorim knows he must sell players if he is to fund a substantial squad-rebuilding exercise, which surely he wants after this season's continued below-par performances.

Fernandes is one of his highest-paid players.

There is also a feeling that while the Portugal playmaker has been indispensable for United this season, in a different structure, he may be a liability.

United are clearly interested in Wolves' Matheus Cunha but he likes to roam in the same way Fernandes does, albeit from not quite as deep positions.

Might losing Fernandes create the potential to make Amorim's squad more rounded?

It is a tricky conundrum.

Al Hilal want players for the Club World Cup. Once the Premier League campaign ends in just over a fortnight, Fernandes' future will really focus minds.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao (kick-off 20:00 BST).

United won the first leg 3-0 last week.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Matthijs de Ligt does not have a "big issue" but the defender will still be unavailable for this match and they will check "day by day" for when he will be ready again. Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer will also not be in the squad.

• Despite holding a 3-0 lead, Amorim still feels "anything is possible" in the tie and United are only "thinking about winning the game".

• He added: "It is hard to say [which United will turn up]. We do not know what team we will be tomorrow. Even sometimes during the game we are one team, then something happens and we lose our minds a little bit. But we are improving way we play and we are more confident and ready to face this challenge."

• On if the quarter-final against Lyon showed they are the only danger to themselves: "It is everything together. If you look at our team, you cannot say today what is going to happen. There are some teams in any league that can understand what a game is going to be like and can control the narrative of the game. We cannot do that. So we have to face the game as one more game. I feel we need to score to go to the next round."

• On if he still feels this is the worst United team in the club's history: "You have to see the quote in the moment, so things can change. For me, and if you look to the Premier League, I think we are the worst team in terms of results in the league. At the end of the season we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title. It will not change anything."

• Having played in the Europa League as a player, Amorim feels losing the final would "hurt even more" as a manager and they "need to win it", but added: "It is different from coach to player, but we need to focus first on the semi-final."

• He said it is "easy to understand" why there is speculation around captain Bruno Fernandes' future because of his numbers and "importance". Amorim added: "It is normal that lots of clubs want players like Bruno, Garnacho and others, but we want to keep our best players and Bruno is clearly one of top players in the world."

Follow all of Wednesday's news conferences and the rest of the day's football news