Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League final with a 4–1 victory over Athletic Club, and manager Ruben Amorim reserved special praise for his substitutes after their crucial second-half impact.

Mikel Jauregizar had earlier given the visitors a deserved lead at Old Trafford, capping off a dominant first-half display from the Basque side. However, United responded emphatically after the interval, producing an inspired performance to overturn the deficit and seal a commanding win on the night.

Mason Mount drew the second leg level with a sublime strike from the edge of the area, before Casemiro’s header put United ahead. Rasmus Højlund added a third, and Mount completed his brace with a remarkable long-range effort from near the halfway line.

While Mount and fellow substitute Amad Diallo received plaudits for their contributions from the bench, Amorim was also eager to highlight the influence of Kobbie Mainoo, who came on late in the match and played a pivotal role in regaining control in midfield.

Mainoo: United’s quiet catalyst

Speaking after the match on Thursday evening, Amorim expressed his admiration for the substitutes' performance, placing particular emphasis on the role of 18-year-old Mainoo.

“I’m so pleased for him. He’s a top player,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “He works incredibly hard, he has real quality. I’m a big fan of Kobbie Mainoo – he only played 10 minutes but everything he did was excellent. Sometimes a player off the bench can completely change the dynamic of the game.”

Amorim continued by praising Mount’s professionalism and versatility: “When you see someone like Mason, working hard every day, eating well, taking ice baths – that sort of commitment – you just want to help him succeed. He’s perfect for this role. He can operate as a midfielder, but he also runs like a winger. I’m really happy for him.”

The United boss also reflected on the importance of squad depth: “When you’ve got a fully fit squad, you can plan your approach more effectively. There are times when you’re just trying to survive with players out of position, but having the right options on the bench gives you the flexibility to change games. That’s what helped us win tonight.”