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FANS were taken aback when Robbie Savage controversially claimed that Mason Mount delivered the “finest 30 minutes of his career” during Manchester United’s 4-1 triumph over Athletic Bilbao.
Mount scored twice as United convincingly overcame Athletic Club, securing a spot in the Europa League final against fellow Premier League adversaries Tottenham later this month.
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The Manchester United midfielder undoubtedly made a substantial impact, coming off the bench with United trailing 1-0 in the 62nd minute and equalizing just ten minutes later.
He capped off United’s triumph by capitalizing on a poor clearance from Athletic Club’s keeper, Julen Agirrezabala, scoring from just beyond midfield with his weaker foot.
While Mount shone during his short stint, fans expressed doubts about Savage’s bold claim that it was the “finest 30 minutes of his career.”
Following Mount’s second goal, Savage remarked, “I think this has been the best 30 minutes of his career.”
“What a performance from Mason Mount. The first goal was excellent, and the second was extraordinary.”
He further added, “The best 30 minutes, potentially of his life.”
Even co-commentator Darren Fletcher was taken aback by Savage’s audacious assertion, responding, “Well, that’s quite a statement.”
“Not knowing him as well as you do, he’s certainly had an unforgettable night,” he added.
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Social media users quickly pointed out that Mount has played a crucial role in various successes throughout his career, notably providing the match-winning assist for Kai Havertz in the 2021 Champions League final while at Chelsea.
On Twitter, one fan stated: “Someone should let Robbie Savage know that Mason Mount started, won, and assisted in a Champions League final…”
Mason Mount returns to Man Utd training after three months out
Along with a picture of Mount holding the Champions League trophy, another fan remarked: “Robbie Savage, I doubt this was the best 30 mins of Mason Mount’s life.”
A third user commented: “Is this Robbie Savage’s first time watching Mason Mount, or? Saying ‘Best 30 mins of his career’ is quite a reckless statement.”
A fourth joked: “If Robbie Savage could elaborate a bit more on proactive substitutions and the best 20 minutes of Mount’s career, that would be excellent.”
A fifth teased: “Bilbao are so underwhelming that Robbie Savage has compared Mason Mount to [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Wayne] Rooney.”
However, even Mount, who has struggled to find his form after his £55m transfer to Old Trafford in 2023, admitted that it was likely the best 30 minutes he’s had in a Manchester United jersey.
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He told TNT Sports: “Yes, absolutely. It’s been challenging since I’ve arrived, with injuries and setbacks.
“I was aware that something positive was around the corner. I continued to put in hard work during training every day and stayed optimistic. When the opportunity came, it was fruitful.”
Meanwhile, manager Ruben Amorim remarked: “When you see the other players on the bench, they are delighted for Mason Mount because everyone in that locker room recognizes how diligently Mason Mount works to be available.
“He is an outstanding player, and those two goals are top class. The team, not just Mason Mount or myself, but all the teammates, were genuinely thrilled for him.”
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Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnificent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked early
MANCHESTER UNITED nearly secured their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.
Despite a brief first-half concern, it was never genuinely in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday evening as the Red Devils achieved a comeback 4-1 win at home against Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Jaureguizar sent a wave of anxiety through the crowd with his exceptional effort on the half-hour mark.
United struggled to find their groove, leading to fears of a possible collapse.
However, when Ruben Amorim turned to his bench, it made a significant difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount all contributed to Mount’s exquisite equalizer.
Casemiro scored with a clever header, and Rasmus Hojlund joined in with a tap-in.
Then Mount completed the job in style with his long-range strike into an open net. Happiness all around.
Now United face an all-English showdown against Spurs later this month to save their disappointing season.
Bring it on, Bilbao…
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s squad at Old Trafford…
