Manchester United officially reached the Europa League final, but they have previously proven why they need to go to this tournament to save their season.
Man United took a 3-0 lead after the first leg and only had to face an Athletic Bilbao side missing four key players due to injury and suspension in the second leg. However, it was not until the 70th minute that Ruben Amorim and his players could be sure of their progress.
Mason Mount's first goal at Old Trafford in more than 18 months rocked the stadium, although the way he celebrated was more relieved than anything else. This goal helped the "Red Devils" level the score at 1-1 and finally extinguished the widespread worry. Before Mount scored, Bilbao worried Man United fans with their spirit of not giving up.
Then, three late goals from Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Mount helped M.U increase the score to 4-1 with a ticket to the final. Man United, despite all their weaknesses, are aiming for the title.
"It was a good result, but I think if you look at both games it will be much more difficult than the result. We have a lot of weaknesses and you can see that in the game. But we are fighting and I think we deserve it if you look at the two games to reach the final.
I feel I should be a better coach at the moment, the team should also play better at the moment. We are trying and I think we have done quite well in Europe. On the contrary, we have a lot of difficulties in the Premier League," Amorim said.
There was only one time when a team failed to advance to the European Cup after winning 3-0 in the first leg away. That does not stop Man United from trying their best.
As if to prevent any complacency, the club's social media accounts declared before the match started that "this match is not over yet".
However, fans who have come to matches at Old Trafford this season know better than anyone that they should not expect an easy scenario. And in the first 70 minutes, Man United seemed determined to prove them right.
Tottenham are waiting for Man United in the final as both are aiming for a ticket to the Champions League next season. With the two teams currently ranked 15th and 16th in the Premier League, everyone is debating whether Man United or Spurs are worthy of the final sweet spot.
Man United need the Champions League for financial reasons ahead of Amorim's volatile summer. However, from a purely sportsful perspective, does the Portuguese coach prefer a calmer season with more practice time to have more time to deal with problems?
"Money from the Champions League is not the most important thing, even when winning the championship as a coach. The important thing is to feel, to feel that we can do good things.
It's a feeling that we can change everything. That is the minimum we can do for the fans because of the support they have given us in this difficult season. If you don't win, that's okay. We are happy to be there. Let's see," Amorim said.
