WATCH NOW: Ruben Amorim reacts as Man United beat Athletic Bilbao to make Europa League final
The Manchester United boss appeared after half-time with an injury
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim emerged from the tunnel in the second half on Thursday night with a plaster covering his knuckles.
The Portuguese had to endure a difficult first half for the Red Devils, who went into the break 1-0 down to Athletic Bilbao after a stunner from Mikel Jauregizar.
However, as the second half commenced, fans noticed the injury and began to theorise what the manager may have done during the break.
With the plaster on the manager’s knuckles, fans have suggested it could be due to a physical outburst in the dressing room.
Ruben Amorim's injury could be seen on his left hand during the second half
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It is not the first time Amorim has sported injuries from potential outbursts behind the scenes, with the 40-year-old reportedly smashing a TV after Man United’s loss to Brighton in January.
Amorim seemed to have a sizeable cut on his right index finger following the incident earlier in the year, and fans have questioned whether a similar burst of rage could have been the reason for his most recent injury.
In January, his side were dismantled 3-1 at Old Trafford by Brighton, and Thursday evening’s game had the potential to erupt in a similar vein.
The boss would have every reason to be frustrated with his side’s first-half display, in which the team lacked urgency in closing down, precision with their passes and quality going forward.
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Ruen Amorim could be seen sporting the plaster while crouching in the second half
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Their biggest chance fell to Alejandro Garnacho, who fluffed his lines while going through on goal in an audacious attempt to chip the goalkeeper which missed the target entirely.
Ernesto Valverde’s men had the momentum going into the second half, despite the tie having them 3-1 behind United, and they started the second period well.
Amorim’s half-time talk clearly worked wonders, however, as his side went on to score four second-half goals to cruise through to the final, where they will play Tottenham Hotspur.
Substitute Mason Mount scored just ten minutes after his introduction - a neat touch to give him space to find the corner with a precise finish on his weak foot.
Another substitute, Amad Diallo, then played his part in the following goals for Casemiro and laid it on a plate for Højlund, who scored his sixth Europa League goal of the season from close range.
With the game petering out, Bilbao's goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, miscued a clearance and gave the ball straight to Mount, who still had a lot to do.
The English international controlled the ball with one touch, and with the other, from over 40 yards, cleared the defence to float the ball into an empty net.
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Mason Mount shurgged confidently after finishing into the corner
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The brace followed the 26-year-old’s second Premier League goal for Manchester United, which came against Brentford at the weekend.
Speaking to MUTV, Amorim reflected on the game: "It was a good result. If you look at both games, it was so much tougher than if you look at the result.
“We have so many weaknesses in the game, and you can understand that in the game. But we are fighting, and we deserve, if you look at the two games, to be in the final."
Regarding Mount’s huge contribution, Amorim added: “Look at the other guys on the bench, they are so happy for Mason Mount because everyone in that dressing room sees Mason Mount doing everything he can to be available.
“He is a really good player and you can see both are really good goals. I think not just Mason Mount, not just me, but also the teammates. They were so happy for him."
The midfielder will be hoping to gain fitness towards the end of the season with a view to becoming a mainstay in the United side after his £55million move from Chelsea in 2023.
If Mount is to rekindle his form from his Chelsea spell, it could lead to fewer injuries sustained for his boss.