Manchester, England - Manchester United reached the Europa League final but was showing why the game was left to save their season.
United led 3-0 from Bilbao's first leg and faced a sports club without four of the most important players through injury and suspension, but it wasn't until the 70th minute that Ruben Amorim and his players could ensure their progress.
18 months after Mason Mount arrived at Chelsea, Mason Mount lifted the stadium with his first goal at Old Trafford, despite the celebrations more than anything else. It brought the score to 1-1 that night, and finally the crowd penetrated into the crowd given the diligent performance of the sports club.
Three late goals from Casemiro, Rasmus Højlund and Mount ended the night in the party atmosphere overall with 4-1 and 7-1. Although Manchester United are both fragile, they will still reach the final.
"It's a good result, but I think if you look at these two games, it's much more than the result," Amorim said.
“We have a lot of weaknesses that you can see in the game. But we’re fighting, but I think if you watch two games to the finals, we should get it.
"I can see that I should be a better manager at this moment, and the team should be better at this moment, but we are working hard and I think we are doing well in Europe. We are struggling a lot in the Premier League."
Only one team has not succeeded from major European knockouts after winning the first leg 3-0. That didn't stop United from working hard.
As if trying to resist any complacency, the club's social media account announced before the kickoff that "the game is not over yet."
But fans who compete in Old Trafford this season are better than expected to ride easily. Within the first 70 minutes, the team seemed determined to prove they were right.
2:11
Nichol: Manchester United's efforts with Sports Club in the first leg
The "ESPN FC" crew will reach the Europa League final after defeating the sports club in Old Trafford 4-1.
The game was only 9 minutes when Álex Berenguer discovered space in the free throw area and shot in the bar. Manchester United ranked second in the opening phase in Bilbao last week, and the game here follows a similar pattern.
The pass misplaced, failed, sports clubs - despite the lack of Nico Williams, Iniki Williams, Danny Vivian and O'Yan Sancott, he took advantage of it.
Within 30 minutes, Harry Maguire threw the ball away unnecessary. A few seconds later, this was provided by the amazing strike by 21-year-old Mikel Jaureguizar. It's a hopeful line for 5,000 sports club fans who just pray and go to Manchester.
Alejandro Garnacho has a chance to calm down before halftime. But, after being sent by Patrick Dorgu, the Argentines cut his end down. Sports clubs push and push after rest and heart rate on climbing and climbing racks.
An hour later, Amorim saw enough. Garnacho, Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui are here, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo and Mount are here. Fernandes went deep into the midfield, and control Amorim longed for a sudden return all night.
Mount made a clever turn and made a breakthrough in the shooting, and the athletic club's determination was broken. When the mountain cut Julen Agirrezabala from 70 yards for nearly 50 minutes to get a 4-1 downtime, Amorim finally brought himself a smile.
"The alternatives changed the game," he said. "It's a honor for the players. I feel we need more energy. We need to keep the ball."
It was a undulating night in a season of ups and downs. It is worth noting that this contrasting movement still exists. Tottenham Hotspur awaits the trophy in the final on May 21 and has a place in the Champions League.
With the team ranked 15th and 16th in the Premier League, the debate over whether Manchester United or Spurs are capable of dealing with the top European club matches.
Manchester United needs the Champions League for economic reasons, ahead of the important summer under Amorim.
But, you wonder if the Portuguese coach would prefer a quiet season from a purely athletic perspective and have more time on the training ground to give him more time to solve the problem.
"Money (the money you get from the Champions League isn't the most important thing, even if you win a championship as a coach, that's the feeling that we can do good things," Amorim said.
"That's how we can change things. It's what we can at least do for these fans to support us in a tough season. If you don't win, that's nothing. We're so glad to be there. Let's see."
Manchester United became the ninth European final in its history. Very few more rides.