Manchester United have booked their place in the 2018 UEFA Champions League courtesy of two unanswered goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in their final Europa match with Ajax, Wednesday.
The win came 48 hours after the blast at Ariana Concert that killed 22 and injured over 50 persons.
In a game that saw Ajax win 69 per cent possession compared to Manchester’s 31 per cent, it was the experience and long but correct passes of the Man U players that subdued a comparatively younger Ajax side with the average age of 22 years.
Pogba’s 18-yard drive took a deflection to end the first half in favor of Man U. And few minutes to end of game, Mkhitaryan scored with a superb kick from four yards.
This is Man U’s first Europa win and a record for that matter since they have become the first team to claim the new rule that gives the winner an automatic place in the club championship.
It is also a big boost for Jose Mourinho, who had played down their League four-team title chase to concentrate on winning this game.
This also means that English teams in next year’s club championship would be five instead of the traditional four.
What they said”
At the end of the game, Jose Mourinho literally turned around to the press box and told them, “I am still the number one. Do NOT doubt me.”
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)
“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.”
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.”
Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham: “Tonight was more important than sport… Yes a big night for Manchester United but an even bigger night for the city and for our country …. At a time when we are grieving for the families that have lost loved ones we have a sport that has bought a little happiness at a difficult time…”
Ajax coach Peter Bosz: “I think it was a boring game, no chances from both sides. We were not good enough and congratulations to Manchester United.
“We will learn a lot from this and if we keep this side together we will be stronger next year.”
