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Manchester United 2 Ajax 0: Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan fire Red Devils to Europa League glory on emotional night in Stockholm

MANCHESTER UNITED will be back among the big boys next season after defeating Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League Final.

Paul Pogba's opener was followed by an acrobatic finish from Henrikh Mkhitaryan to secure the trophy and a place in the Champions League.

Manchester United defeated Ajax 2-0 to win the Europa League on Wednesday
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Manchester United defeated Ajax 2-0 to win the Europa League on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
The victory ensures Jose Mourinho has led the Red Devils back into the Champions League
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The victory ensures Jose Mourinho has led the Red Devils back into the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images
The victory brought a glimmer of joy to the traumatised city
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The victory brought a glimmer of joy to the traumatised cityCredit: Getty Images
Paul Pogba broke the deadlock as Manchester United defeated Ajax to win the Europa League
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Paul Pogba broke the deadlock as Manchester United defeated Ajax to win the Europa LeagueCredit: Reuters
Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the victory with a spectacular effort shortly after the restart
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the victory with a spectacular effort shortly after the restartCredit: Reuters
Jose Mourinho has led Manchester United back to the Champions League in his first season in charge
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Jose Mourinho has led Manchester United back to the Champions League in his first season in chargeCredit: EPA
Jose Mourinho was joined on the pitch by his son following the full time whistle in an emotional celebration
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Jose Mourinho was joined on the pitch by his son following the full time whistle in an emotional celebrationCredit: Reuters
And Jose Mourinhos staff were just as ecstatic as their leader
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And Jose Mourinho's staff were just as ecstatic as their leaderCredit: Reuters

After missing out on the top four in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho knew that victory would be the only way for his men to qualify for Europe's showpiece competition.

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And it was two of his big-money signings from last summer that produced the goods for him and gave the city a huge lift after this week's atrocities.

Following a pre-match minute silence in remembrance of the Manchester terror attack victims, world-record signing Pogba paid his own tribute as he pointed to the heavens after netting on 18 minutes.

It came with a large slice of fortune as the French star struck a shot from 25 yards towards goal.

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His effort deflected off Davinson Sanchez, wrong-footing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, and sailed into the net.

That put United firmly in control, and any hopes of a comeback from the Dutch side were quickly extinguished just three minutes after the break.

A corner was swung in and met by the head of Red Devils defender Chris Smalling, who proceeded to nod it down for Mkhitaryan to scissor-kick home from close-range.

Ajax offered little after that as United cruised to victory and back into the big time to spark the celebrations in Stockholm.

Paul Pogba's strike deflected off Ajax's Davinson Sanchez and into the net to break the deadlock
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Paul Pogba's strike deflected off Ajax's Davinson Sanchez and into the net to break the deadlockCredit: Reuters
Paul Pogba pointed to the heavens in remembrance of his late father and the victims of the Manchester terror attack after scoring
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Paul Pogba pointed to the heavens in remembrance of his late father and the victims of the Manchester terror attack after scoringCredit: Reuters
The French star continued with his tribute following the full time whistle
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The French star continued with his tribute following the full time whistleCredit: Reuters
Injured Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was warmly greeted by Edwin van der Saar and fellow officials of his former club Ajax
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Injured Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was warmly greeted by Edwin van der Saar and fellow officials of his former club AjaxCredit: Rex Features
Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the advantage for United just three minutes after the restart
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the advantage for United just three minutes after the restartCredit: Reuters
The Europa League final proved one step too far for Amin Younes and the rest of Ajax's young stars
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The Europa League final proved one step too far for Amin Younes and the rest of Ajax's young starsCredit: EPA
Florentin and Mathias Pogba were in the stands to see there brother Paul bag the opener
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Florentin and Mathias Pogba were in the stands to see there brother Paul bag the openerCredit: PA:Press Association
Ajax's hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished by Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort
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Ajax's hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished by Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effortCredit: Getty Images
Jose Mourinho was repaid by his big-money signing Paul Pogba
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Jose Mourinho was repaid by his big-money signing Paul PogbaCredit: Reuters

Facts, Stats, Goals and Lols

  • THE silence to honour the victims of the Manchester terror attacks turned into defiant applause.
  • PAUL POGBA pointed to the sky when he scored. He recently lost his father Fassou Antoine.
  • JOSE MOURINHO’S celebration for the goals were subdued. He remained in his seat for Pogba’s as the rest of the bench leapt up in delight, then barely cracked a smile for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
    There were emotional scenes prior to kick-off as both sides and supporters paid respect to the victims of the Manchester terror attack
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    There were emotional scenes prior to kick-off as both sides and supporters paid respect to the victims of the Manchester terror attackCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Manchester United's stars also paid respect by wearing black armbands in remembrance
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    Manchester United's stars also paid respect by wearing black armbands in remembranceCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United fans can finally celebrate being back in the big time
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    Manchester United fans can finally celebrate being back in the big timeCredit: Rex Features
  • UNITED players, even those not in the matchday squad, were in grey cup-final suits but the Special One wasn’t, he wore dark trousers and a jumper.
  • ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVICH was there at the Friends Arena where he scored his amazing scissor-kick for Sweden against England. He was driven on a golf buggy as he protects his injured knee.
    Manchester United's Ander Herrera clashed with Ajax's Amin Younes and Jairo Riedewald (right) late on
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    Manchester United's Ander Herrera clashed with Ajax's Amin Younes and Jairo Riedewald (right) late onCredit: PA:Press Association
    That led to Manchester United's Ander Herrera squaring up to Ajax's Amin Younes
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    That led to Manchester United's Ander Herrera squaring up to Ajax's Amin YounesCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United fans were in defiant spirit followin the terror attack in the city this week
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    Manchester United fans were in defiant spirit following the terror attack in the city this weekCredit: Getty Images
  • WITH Ibra injured and Eric Bailly banned, United’s ONLY other summer signings – Pogba and Mkhitaryan – were the goalscorers that put the game out of Ajax’s reach.
  • UNITED had much more experience than Ajax. The Dutch team’s starting line-up averaged at 22.18 years old, while United were 27.08.
  • BERTRAND TRAORE’S first-half display showed he could be useful to Chelsea next season when he returns from his loan at Ajax.
    Wayne Rooney came off the bench late on for what could be his final appearance for Manchester United
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    Wayne Rooney came off the bench late on for what could be his final appearance for Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United owner Joel Glazer was in attendance to watch his side claim the Europa League
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    Manchester United owner Joel Glazer was in attendance to watch his side claim the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
    Wayne Rooney only came on in the final minute of normal time
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    Wayne Rooney only came on in the final minute of normal timeCredit: Reuters
    Wayne Rooney was instantly handed the armband upon his arrival so he could lift the trophy
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    Wayne Rooney was instantly handed the armband upon his arrival so he could lift the trophyCredit: Reuters
  • CHRIS SMALLING’S future at United may be in doubt but he did get the nod ahead of Phil Jones. Also played his part in second goal and put in a good defensive display.
  • WAYNE ROONEY came off the bench for the final few moments as this major final had the look of a new era for United. Fans were calling for Roo to appear in the second half. David De Gea was also among the subs and his future looks uncertain.
    Jose Mourinho has guided United to the EFL Cup and Europa League during his first year in charge
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    Jose Mourinho has guided United to the EFL Cup and Europa League during his first year in chargeCredit: Rex Features
    Jose Mourinho maintained his 100 per cent record in European finals
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    Jose Mourinho maintained his 100 per cent record in European finalsCredit: Getty Images
    Paul Pogba celebrated victory in true fashion as he produced his infamous Dab dance
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    Paul Pogba celebrated victory in true fashion as he produced his infamous Dab danceCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United have now won every European trophy available
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    Manchester United have now won every European trophy availableCredit: Reuters

Social Says

Dream Team Ratings

Manchester United: Romero 7, Valencia 7, Smalling 8, Blind 7, Darmian 7, Herrera 7, Pogba 7, Mata 6 (Rooney 90, 6), Fellaini 9, Mkhitaryan 7 (Lingard 74, 6), Rashford 6 (Martial 84, 6)

Subs not used: De Gea, Jones, Carrick, Fosu-Mensah

Ajax: Onana 6, Veltman 6, Sanchez 7, de Ligt 6, Riedewald 6 (de Jong 82, 6), Klaasen 6, Schone 6 (van de Beek 70, 6), Ziyech 6, Traore 6, Dolberg 5 (Neres 62, 6), Younes 6

Subs not used: Tete, Westermann, Boer, Kluivert

Dream Team Star Man: MAROUANE FELLAINI

What They Said

Paul Pogba speaking to BT Sport: "We did it. We are very proud. Nobody can talk. They said we had a bad season but we have three trophies (including Community Shield).

"The start was important and after the goals we controlled the game. Great performance from everybody in the team."

On the attacks in Manchester, he added: "These things are terrible all over the world, in London and in Paris. We went out focused to win and we won for Manchester and the country."

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata speaking to BT Sport: "We have won a trophy the club has never won so we are really happy.

"It means a lot as it is my first European trophy with United and after what happened yesterday it is nice to bring a trophy back for Manchester.

"It has been a really difficult week in the city of Manchester and we are happy to win for all the people that have suffered."

 

 

 

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