Man Utd beat Ajax, won Europa League

The English team won the second-tier European competition and secured a ticket to the Champions League after a 2-0 win over Ajax in Stockholm.

Man Utd ended the season as European champions. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Pogba (18'), Mkhitaryan (48').

Coach Mourinho and his students completed a historic mission for Man Utd when they brought the Europa League title to the trophy room. The championship of the second-tier European playground is the final title to complete Man Utd's collection. Before Man Utd, only four teams won every possible title in Europe: Ajax, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern.

Man Utd's two most expensive stars in the summer transfer window last year spoke out together in the most important match of the season. Paul Pogba took a shot from outside the box that hit defender Sanchez's foot and changed direction, opening the score for Man Utd right at the start of the match.

In the second half, Man Utd continued to score early to end Ajax's hopes. Henrik Mkhitaryan quickly hooked the ball close to the goal after a header from Smalling, sealing a 2-0 victory.

Winning the Europa League gives Man Utd their third trophy this season after the Community Shield and the League Cup. More importantly, Man Utd has earned direct entry into the Champions League group stage next season, which will help the team a lot in their efforts to rebuild their image under coach Mourinho.

Pogba's opening goal. Photo: Reuters.

The Europa League final was played in an emotional atmosphere following the Manchester bombing that killed 22 people. Both teams observed a minute's silence for the victims before kick-off.

However, what followed was the coldness of the English team. Man Utd showed superior experience and did not give Ajax a real chance to threaten Romero's goal throughout the 90 minutes. The defense, despite missing some key players, combined with two tall midfielders Pogba and Fellaini to stop the Dutch team's attacks.

Meanwhile, Man Utd's attack suddenly showed sharpness and had luck, something rarely seen this season. Pogba's kick hit the opponent's leg, helping Man Utd open the score and have an easier game than expected. Mkhitaryan's next goal was the guarantee of victory, which was built on the solid playing style that Mourinho applied throughout the remaining time.

Mkhitaryan scores a goal against Ajax. Photo: Reuters.

Ajax were expected to create a surprise with a group of talented young players like their predecessors in the 1995-1996 period. However, the Dutch team could not develop their free-flowing attacking style against a cold and superior Man Utd.

Mourinho won his fourth European Cup and has won every time he has reached the final. The Portuguese coach's experience meant he could not let a young Ajax team get the better of him and he showed it with his defensive setup. Mourinho played a 4-1-4-1 instead of his preferred 4-3-3 to add Ander Herrera in midfield, sweeping in behind the already strong duo of Pogba and Fellaini.

Ajax's weakness in midfield left them with few options and they had to move out wide. Ajax's crosses were only effective twice, but goalkeeper Romero caught both shots from tight angles.

Mourinho became the only coach to win two major titles in his first season leading Man Utd. Photo: Reuters.

A Europa League final victory could also mark a turning point for Man Utd. The team has a ticket to the Champions League and an advantage in negotiating in the transfer market. Antoine Griezmann has spoken about the opportunity to play for Man Utd but the French striker is certainly not the only name.

Rooney came off the bench when the match was over and took the captain's armband from Valencia. This is likely to be the English striker's last match in a Man Utd shirt. In addition, Ibrahimovic also won his first major European title in his career at home in Sweden. With a serious injury and an unknown return date, this could be a meaningful farewell gift from Man Utd to the 35-year-old veteran.

According to VNE