Manchester United are, against the odds, just 90 minutes away from securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, following a comprehensive 7-1 aggregate triumph over Athletic Bilbao that has earned them a place in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Rúben Amorim’s side, who have endured a woeful Premier League campaign, entered Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford with a comfortable 3-0 lead. However, the emphatic 4-1 scoreline paints a somewhat deceptive picture of a tense affair, with the home side initially struggling to settle after conceding a stunning first-half goal from Mikel Jauregizar.

A pivotal triple substitution shortly after the hour mark turned the tide, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to score two spectacular goals, while Amad Diallo caused chaos down the right flank.

Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund added further goals, easing United’s nerves and transforming the stadium into a scene of celebration.

“If you look at both legs, it was far tougher than the result suggests,” said Amorim.

“We have many weaknesses, which were evident during the match, but we fought through and managed to progress. Considering both games, I believe we deserve our place in the final.”

United will now face Tottenham in the final, after the North London club defeated Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate.

Amorim, who took over in November following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, acknowledged that the upcoming final in Bilbao later this month represents the most significant match of his tenure thus far.

“The money in the Champions League isn’t the most important thing—not even the title itself,” he remarked.

“To win a trophy as a manager is about the feeling. It’s the sense that we can achieve something special, the joy of giving our supporters something to hold on to—especially in a season like this.”

Premier League Struggles

Manchester United are on course for their worst Premier League finish since their relegation in 1974, although relegation is not a threat this term.

Their European form tells a different story, as United remain the only side unbeaten across the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League this season.

That the club is now placing its hopes entirely on Europe’s second-tier competition highlights how far they have declined from their days of consistently contending for Champions League glory.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United reached four Champions League finals, winning two of them.

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger—now FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development—has questioned the fairness of Europa League winners being granted Champions League qualification, particularly since five Premier League clubs will qualify through domestic standings.

There is bound to be discontent among rival clubs at the prospect of United or Spurs participating in next season’s Champions League, given their poor league form.

Both clubs are certain to finish outside of the Premier League’s European qualification positions, with United currently languishing in 15th place and Tottenham just behind in 16th.

Nonetheless, the rules are clear, and both teams now have the opportunity to end their seasons on a high.

Tottenham have had the upper hand over United this season, winning all three encounters—twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup. However, Amorim remains undaunted.

“Every match tells its own story. Yes, we lost the last three, but we can win this one,” said the former Sporting Lisbon manager.

“If you look at the odds, we might be closer to winning than losing. Both teams will approach it as a do-or-die situation. It’s similar for both of us—the coaching situation is comparable.

“I know that Ange [Postecoglou] has been at Spurs for an extra year. The context is different, but we are both facing struggles. What will happen? I really cannot say.”