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
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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.
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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
The Ajax side queue up and receive their runner-up medals. This is a remarkable achievement for such a young, but ever so talented side. This will be an experience that will be a life-long memory for every player involved.
Up next, United are set to pick up their champions medals.
The United players huddle around the European League cup with their medals slung around their neck proudly.
Wayne Rooney, the United legend, stands amongst the group and raises the cup into the air. The fans roar as they watch the silverware rise.
A number of the players were holding up three fingers there to show the three trophies that they have won this season.
It is encouraging to see Ibrahimovic amongst the glory and hobbling around with his team mates with a beaming smile on his face.
The United side parade the Friends Arena with the silverware.
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