Ajax vs Manchester United - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men claim victory in Europa League final
Re-live all the action from the Europa League final at the Friends Arena
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ajax and Manchester United make battle in Wednesday’s Europa League final in what is a clash between two of Europe’s iconic clubs.
- Manchester United '110% in favour' of playing Europa League final 'for the city'
- Manchester United looking to join the nation in tribute to fallen victims as club takes on Ajax in Europa League final
- Manchester United fans unveil moving banner tribute to attack victims ahead of Europa League final
- Five Ajax youngsters capable of upsetting the odds in Europa League final against Manchester United
- The Manchester United players who may not feature for the club again after the Europa League final
What time does it start?
Ajax vs Manchester United kicks off at 7.45pm BST
Where can I watch it?
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.
Preview
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.
It’s a big game for…
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.
Best stat…
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.
Remember when…
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.
Player to watch…
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.
Past three meetings…
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
Form guide…
Ajax: WLWWLL
Manchester United: WDLDLW
Odds…
Odds provided by 888 Sport
Ajax to win: 7/2
Manchester United to win: 15/19
Draw: 5/2
37 MINS
Traore confidently charges into the penalty area, skipping past a handful of United players in the process. Blind manages to stop him with a last ditch challenge, but that will be a wake up call for Mourinho's men.
40 MINS
Once again Valencia sprints down the right, before delivering a ball into the area towards Fellaini. Veltman manages to win the header and clear the danger.
42 MINS
Sanchez tries to chest the ball back to Onana, but he does not get enough behind the ball and this allows Rashford the chance to pick his pocket. The defender manages to redeem his error and clear the danger.
HALF TIME
AJAX 0 - 1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Mourinho's men enter the interval with a one-goal advantage, following a deflected strike from Pogba. Ajax have been under the cosh from the off - despite enjoying a generous amount of possession throughout. Their inexperience is evident, but this was highlighted by some terrific attacking play from United. Rashford looks electric, Mata is dominating and Valencia is proving problematic with his runs in the wide areas. However, Traore looks confident for Bosz's side - so they are not out of this one just yet.
Game on!
Half-time player ratings
Manchester United:
Sergio Romero - 6 out 10
Antonio Valencia - 8
Chris Smalling - 7
Daley Blind - 7
Matteo Darmian - 6
Ander Herrera - 7
Paul Pogba - 8
Juan Mata - 7
Marouane Fellaini - 7
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7
Marcus Rashford - 7
Daley Bling in action
Ajax:
Andre Ornana – 6
Joel Veltman – 6
Davinson Sanchez – 5
Matthijs de Light – 6
Jairo Riedewald – 5
Lasse Schone – 6
Hakim Ziyech – 6
Davy Klaassen – 6
Bertrand Traore – 6
Kasper Dolberg – 5
Amin Younes – 6
47 MINS
Mata flicks the ball onto Fellaini inside of the area, but Sanchez charges across and kicks the ball out of play before the Belgian could latch onto it. Corner kick to Mournho's men.
48 MINS
GOAL
AJAX 0 - 2 MANCHESTER UNITED
United double their tally just after the interval and this time it is Mkhitaryan.
Mata sends an imposing corner into the area, Smalling heads the ball down and Mkhitaryan latches onto the ball and flicks it past Onana. Top strike.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments