FANS were left baffled after Robbie Savage bizarrely claimed that Mason Mount had the “best 30 minutes of his career” during Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Mount scored twice as United breezed past Athletic Club to book a spot in the Europa League final against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham later this month.
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The Man Utd midfielder certainly had a superb cameo, coming on as a substitute with United trailing 1-0 in the 62nd minute and scoring the equaliser within 10 minutes of stepping over the line.
While he was also the player to put the cherry on top of the victory when he capitalised on Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala’s misplaced clearance to fire in from just beyond the half-way line with his weak foot.
And while he was one of the best players on the pitch for his short outing, fans were unsure about commentator Savage’s bold claim that it was the “best 30 minutes of his career”.
Speaking after Mount’s second goal, Savage said: “I think it has been the best 30 minutes of his career.
“What a performance from Mason Mount. The first goal is brilliant, the second magnificent.”
Adding: “The best 30 minutes, possibly of his life”.
Even co-commentator Darren Fletcher was left surprised by Savage’s outrageous comments, replying: “Well, that’s a big call.
“Not knowing him as well as you do, but he’s had a night, I’ll give you that. He’s certainly had a half an hour. He’s never going to forget it, I’ll tell you that.”
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Fans online were quick to point out that Mount has been a crucial part of success throughout his career, specifically providing the match-winning assist for Kai Havertz in the Champions League final while playing for Chelsea in 2021.
On social media, one fan wrote: “Someone tell Robbie Savage that Mason Mount started, won and assisted in a Champions League final…”
While, alongside a picture of Mount holding the Champions League trophy, another added: “Robbie Savage, I doubt it’s the best 30 mins of Mason Mount’s life.”
A third commented: “Is this Robbie Savage’s first time watching Mason Mount, or? ‘Best 30 mins of his career’ is a shameless comment.”
A fourth joked: “If Robbie Savage could tell us a few more times about proactive substitutions and the best 20 minutes of Mount’s career, that’d be great.”
And a fifth teased: “Bilbao are that bad Robbie savage has compared Mason Mount to [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Wayne] Rooney.”
However even Mount, who has struggled for form since his £55m move to Old Trafford in 2023, admitted that it was probably the best 30 minutes in a Manchester United shirt.
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He told TNT Sports: “Yeah, for sure. It’s been difficult since I’ve been here, I’ve had the injuries and setbacks.
“I knew something good was going to come. I carried on going, working hard in training every day and trying to stay positive, and when I had the opportunity like this, it paid off.”
While boss Ruben Amorim said: “When you look at the other guys on the bench, they are so happy for Mason Mount because everybody in that dressing room sees Mason Mount doing everything he can to be available.
“He’s a really good player and you can see both goals are really good goals. So I think not just Mason Mount, not just me, but also the team-mates, they were so happy for him.”
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Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked early
MANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.
And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.
United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.
But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.
Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.
Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round.
Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.
Roll on, Bilbao…
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…