Mason Mount explains wondergoal for Man United vs Athletic Bilbao – ‘I had it in my head’

Mason Mount explains wondergoal for Man United vs Athletic Bilbao – ‘I had it in my head’

Man united Mason Mount’s perfomance from the bench was decisive in Utd’s win against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday in the Europa League

Mason Mount feels his hard work has “paid off” after scoring twice for Manchester United against Athletic Bilbao.

Ruben Amorim made three substitutions on the hour mark against Bilbao, who were 1-0 up at that stage, and it didn’t take long for Mount to have an impact after coming onto the pitch.

The 26-year-old equalised with a brilliant goal in the 71st minute and Casemiro scored moments later to fire United into the lead. Rasmus Hojlund then made it 3-1 with a close-range strike before Mount capped a brilliant night with another wonderful goal – this time scoring from the halfway line

Mount spotted Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala off his line but he still had plenty to do and his execution was perfect. “It was too long [waiting for a night like that],” he told TNT Sports.

The midfielder couldn’t stop smiling and added: “I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

“Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down.”

On his second goal, Mount said: “When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out I had it in my head if it comes to me, ‘first touch and shoot’. I didn’t want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net.

“The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us. For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I’ve been waiting a long time for. To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly.”