A jubilant Jose Mourinho celebrated on the pitch after the final whistle sounded at the Friends Arena in Stockholm after his side overcame the extreme pressure resting on their shoulders and won against a defiant Ajax 2-0 to win their first ever Europa League trophy, and more importantly, qualification into the Champions League.
In truth, Manchester United have been mediocre all season. Despite glimpses of fine form, the side could not mount a serious challenge for the top four, much less the Premier League title. Indeed, the Old Trafford outfit were impotent for much of the campaign, unable to finish opposition off and thus ending with 15 draws, the most of any team this season.
For a big club like Manchester United, that’s 30 points dropped, and the club paid the price as they ended up finishing in sixth place, a staggering seven points away from fiercest rivals Liverpool, who are in fourth place.
And yet, no matter what many pundits and critics have said regarding the club’s performances this season, regardless of the criticism and negative commentary thrown his way, Mourinho have led his side towards their ultimate goal: Reach the Champions League – and he won it with style, by winning a major European trophy.
“We got the objective. We are back in the Champions League by winning a title, an important title,” a proud Mourinho said in an interview.
“The club now has every title in world football. We fought hard for this since the beginning. We always thought that we could win the Europa League, and we are very happy,” the Portuguese tactician added.
The Red Devils have found an unlikely ally in former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who said before the Europa League final on Wednesday, “Are they entertaining? Are they a nice side to watch? At the end of the day, it will be the EFL Cup and the Europa League – if they win it.
“Then they will be in the Champions League and it will be a successful season. Whether you like Jose Mourinho or not, it will be a successful season,” the Gunners legend added.
Sure, Jurgen Klopp deserves praise this season for improving Liverpool’s playing style and qualifying for the Champions League. Same can be said with Mauricio Pochettino, who led Tottenham to a successful season by finishing second in the league, just missing out on the Premier League title. But Mourinho, regardless of his means, deserves the same amount of applause for finishing the job, and winning a prestigious title along the way.
And to the critics of his style, Mourinho had this to say: “There are lots of poets in football, but poets don’t win many titles.”