Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has a “proven” first-team player among his squad after the Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Club on Thursday.
That is according to Phil Jones, who waxed lyrical about one Manchester United player’s performance against Athletic Club in the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford.
United knocked La Liga club Athletic Club out of the Europa League semi-finals and the Red Devils punched their ticket to the 2025 final against Tottenham.
Ernesto Valverde’s men faced an uphill battle on their visit to Old Trafford on Thursday evening after United’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the first-leg tie.
Following United’s result over Athletic Club in Bilbao last Thursday, the Spanish side broke the deadlock in the return leg and they were 1-0 up going into half-time.
Mason Mount climbed off the bench for United after the break and the 26-year-old ex-Chelsea star cancelled out Mikel Jauregizar’s first-half opener for Athletic Club.
United were 2-1 up only seven minutes after Mason Mount’s equaliser in the 72nd minute, with Casemiro netting against the La Liga outfit in Thursday’s match.
Rasmus Hojlund scored United’s third in the 85th minute before Mount signed off his stunning second-half performance by bagging his brace deep into injury time.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesPhil Jones’ praise for Man Utd ace Mason Mount is a real eye-opener after Ruben Amorim’s men beat Athletic Club in the Europa League
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim withdrew Manuel Ugarte in the 62nd minute and he rolled the dice with Mason Mount in the Europa League clash.
Amorim has been managing Mount’s return to the United first-team squad after another injury-hit season at Old Trafford for the former England international.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-United and England defender Phil Jones praised Mount and he is hopeful that he can stay fit and avoid another injury setback.
“I’m delighted for Mason Mount,” he said, as per BBC Sport.
“It’s always difficult when you’re out for a lengthy spell of time, all you want to do is play football.
“He’s a lad who works extremely hard. He’s a wonderful player, he’s proven that for England.
“He’s got a good goalscoring record, left foot, right foot. You’ve got to keep him fit now and has got to look after himself.”
Phil Jones’ feelings on Man Utd under Ruben Amorim ahead of the Europa League final vs Tottenham
Jones insisted that United need to be back in the Champions League and believes the Red Devils have taken a “huge step in the right direction” after their 4-1 win.
“I know people talk about how Man Utd has [lost] its attraction for players, but it’ll never lose that because it’s the biggest club in the world,” he said.
“It’s a bit disrespectful to say it’s bigger for one club or the other, but I do think, for Man Utd to get back in the Champions League, it’s a huge step in the right direction.
“The league form has been nowhere near what’s expected this season, but it gives them a platform to try and implement something better next season and try and attract higher-calibre players.
“You can’t call it. It’s a massive game for both clubs. I’m not sure if Spurs do or don’t win the final, Ange Postecoglou will be in charge next season. I think they’ve already made their mind up.”
The 2025 Europa League between United and Tottenham is slated for an 8pm kick-off time in the UK on 21st May, which will be played at the San Mames Stadium.