'What a player': Odion Ighalo & Amad send message to United star who won 11 duels vs Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United booked their spot in the Europa League final after a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Red Devils had a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg at San Mames.

Athletic provided a minor scare with an early goal at Old Trafford yesterday, but United came up with a late blitz.

Mason Mount scored a brace for the Red Devils while Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund were also on the scoresheet in a 4-1 win.

Mount grabbed the headlines with his terrific impact off the bench. Casemiro was equally good with another all-round display.

Bruno Fernandes did not find the net, but he provided a fabulous cross from a free-kick for Casemiro’s goal to make it 2-1.

Shortly after the game, Fernandes took to Instagram to express his pleasure.

He particularly praised Mount for his fabulous attacking performance off the bench.

Fernandes posted: “Reds we are going to Bilbao. Mason Mount bend it like becks. You deserve this moment kid.”

There were plenty of responses. Former United striker Odion Ighalo praised Fernandes for his display.

The Nigerian ace replied: ‘My captain, what a player’.

Amad described Fernandes as ‘Always the best’.

Joshua Zirkzee added that ‘there will be thousands’ of fans at San Mames for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on May 21.

Here are screenshots.

Fernandes has been in sublime form over recent months. He was brilliant against Athletic yesterday, winning an impressive 11 ground and aerial duels.

The Portuguese completed 39 passes with six long balls and two successful crosses. He also made four tackles and induced four fouls from the opposition.

There has been surprise talk that Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal want to sign him this summer.

In our view, United should not contemplate parting ways with the playmaker regardless of the money on the table. He is the club’s best creative player by a long stretch.

The Red Devils need to build the squad around their talismanic skipper. Qualifying for the Champions League by winning the Europa League would be a huge boost.

United can attract elite stars without European football, but Champions League qualification would provide an extra incentive to convince some players such as Viktor Gyokeres.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .