Much has been said regarding Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s complaints regarding fixture congestion and his gamble of focusing on the Europa League final as the Reds pursue Champions League qualification – although they first have to battle against a defiant Ajax side eager to bring home another silverware back to Amsterdam. (find a Ajax v Manchester United stream below)
Manchester United have not been in fine form as of late, as they have managed to win only one of their last five games across all competitions. They have already played six matches this May, with their bout with Ajax their last game of the season. And while they are eager to finish on a high, Mourinho has been adamant luck and fitness is not on their side because of fixture congestion.
His recent rant on his side’s frantic schedule was focused on the Premier League’s apparent nonchalant attitude towards English sides battling in Europe. “In any country in the world, the match is on Saturday. We are sixth no matter what and Palace are safe,” the Portuguese said regarding his side’s final league match last Sunday.
“In seven years in England I never saw any detail of trying to care about English teams in Europe,” the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss added.
Regardless, United’s Portuguese gaffer has made it very clear he was taking the Europa League seriously, especially as it brings the added reward of Champions League qualification – an achievement the club are eager to meet. True enough, United fielded an entirely young and unfamiliar squad in their match against Palace, handing starting opportunities to the likes of Josh Harrop and Angel Gomes.
With many of his uninjured first-team players rested, Mourinho looks set to win the Europa League crown – and the club and their fans would settle for no less.
Enter Ajax, who will definitely not in any mood to yield to Manchester United, regardless of the English side’s history. The last time the two sides met was in the Europa League as well back in 2012 – both sides have one game won apiece against each other.
The same seems to be the case in this final: a toss-up against very equal sides, despite bookmakers pinning United to be the favourites.
Manchester United icon and current Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar is adamant his Ajax side have what it takes to become Europa League champions. “I think that’s a strength of Ajax this year, being really committed to each other, to the team, to the philosophy.
“Manchester United – we have to face them in Stockholm. It is fantastic – but it is only fantastic if we win the cup,” the former goalkeeper added.
In any case, United are up for big match come Wednesday evening, as the two big, historic sides clash for the Europa League title.
The Europa League final kicks off at 07:45 PM on 24 May 2017, Wednesday, at the Friends Arena in Stockholm.
Last four results – Manchester United v Ajax
15 Sep 1976 Ajax v Manchester United L 1-0 UEFA Cup
29 Sep 1976 Manchester United v Ajax W 2-0 UEFA Cup
16 Feb 2012 Ajax v Manchester United W 0-2 UEFA Europa League
23 Feb 2012 Manchester United v Ajax L 1-2 UEFA Europa League
Ajax v Manchester United Streams
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| United States | ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN Deportes USA, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, fuboTV,Fox Sports 1 USA |