Ajax vs Manchester United - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men claim victory in Europa League final

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Ajax and Manchester United make battle in Wednesday’s Europa League final in what is a clash between two of Europe’s iconic clubs.

Ajax vs Manchester United kicks off at 7.45pm BST

The match will be shown for free live on BT Sports Showcase from 7.00pm BST. Highlights will be shown at 10.50pm BST on ITV.

Jose Mourinho’s team are looking to win Europe’s second-tier competition for the first time in their history. Crucially, victory over the Dutch side would also give United a back-door route into next season’s Champions League group stages. Having already lifted the League Cup this year, adding a second piece of silverware would represent a successful first 12 months in charge for the Portuguese.

There is, however, an all-or-nothing feel about the match in Stockholm for United. After finishing sixth in a disappointing Premier League campaign, losing out on both the silverware and Champions League place in Sweden would be a real blow to the Old Trafford side.

In United’s way stand an Ajax side who have reached their first European final in 21 years. Peter Bosz’s side finished as runners up to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, meaning that unlike United their Champions League place is secure regardless of the result in Stockholm. Though they will start as underdogs, the Amsterdam club boast a multitude of exciting young talent and are not to be taken lightly.

Paul Pogba. Though perhaps an obvious choice, the astronomical fee United paid Juventus for the 24-year-old means the Frenchman’s form will always be under the microscope – even more so on the big occasion. If Pogba can play a leading role in a United victory on Wednesday, it would be a big statement from the midfielder at the end of a mixed season.

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7. The combined number of times Ajax and United have won the Champions League or European Cup. The Dutch side’s haul of four puts them sixth on the all-time list, while their opponents’ three titles put them joint seventh along with Italian side Inter.

The last time these two sides met was at the last 32 stage of the same competition in 2012. On that occasion, goals by Aras Ozbiliz and Toby Alderweireld earned Ajax a 2-1 win at Old Trafford, but it was not enough to secure progression following United’s 2-0 first-leg victory.

Kasper Dolberg. The teenage forward is one of a number of precocious young talents at head coach Bosz’s disposal. With 23 goals in all competitions and six in the Europa League, United’s backline will have to be wary of the 19-year-old.

Manchester United 1 Ajax 2
Europa League, February 2012

Ajax 0 Manchester United 2
Europa League, February 2012

Manchester United 2 Ajax 0
UEFA Cup, September 1976

Ajax: WLWWLL

Manchester United: WDLDLW

Odds provided by 888 Sport

Ajax to win: 7/2

Manchester United to win: 15/19

Draw: 5/2

Ajax manager Peter Bosz says 'glow' has been taken from Europa League final after Manchester attackAs he sat down in the Friends Arena, Ajax manager Peter Bosz first explained that he wanted to issue a statement and would have to say it in Dutch, apologetically insisting that even then he would struggle to find the right words - before doing an admirable job in a very difficult situation.

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:12

What this match means for Mourinho

Mourinho's managerial career has been laced with silverware, however after finishing sixth in the Premier League - tonight's result could prove pivotal for the boss's position at United.

A victory tonight will cap off an encouraging season for Mourinho and will secure the sides position in the Champions League next season.

United have already won the Community Shield and EFL Cup, despite their anticlimactic end to the season.

Their 25-game unbeaten-run between September 2016 to May 2017 sounds impressive, however the majority of these matches ended in draws which resulted in a lack of league points.

This is a must-win game for The Reds.

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:17

Ajax are not to be underestimated 

Mourinho’s men enter this final as the firm favourites, but Ajax should be not be underestimated – despite already securing their position in the Champions League.

Bosz’s side have every right to be confident, following some impressive victories against the ‘big clubs’ in this competition – including Lyon and Schalke.

Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie, with Feyernoord winning the title by just one point .They are certainly apt opponents for Mourinho’s side that finished sixth in the Premier League.

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:37

The game will kick off 19:45 - following a minute silence for the Manchester tragedy on Monday night. Respect.

Stay tuned for minute-by-minute coverage of the action.

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:42

KICK OFF

United kick-off to get the action under way. Game on!

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:47

1 MINS

Pogba volleys a strike towards the goal in an attempt to break the deadlock in the early stages, but the effort flies wide of the woodwork. 

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:48

4 MINS

It has been an energetic start from Mourinho's men - as we expected here at Friends Arena. United are looking to dominate possession in the early stages and control the tempo of the fixture from the off. 

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:51

7 MINS

Pogba charges into the Ajax half, before threading a delicate ball through to Rashford. Traore tracks back and flies in with a tough, but fair challenge to redeem possession for his side. 

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:54

9 MINS

Rashford skips past Sanchez on the right-wing, but he trips the centre back in the process - free kick to Ajax. 

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:56

10 MINS

Mata delivers an imposing ball into the area, but it flies just past the charging head of Fellaini.

The Belgian has a reputation for being lethal in the air, so the Ajax fans will be relieved to see that he missed the ball. 

Joe Miles24 May 2017 19:58

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