Man Utd win Europa League: Reaction as Jose Mourinho's side help a grieving city
'A bit of poetry would be nice at Old Trafford'
Our chief football writer Paul Hayward believes Mourinho must change United's mechanical football or they will loss their vaunted global audience.
Mourinho’s sarcastic dismissal of “poets” in football was based on longstanding resentment of the praise lavished on Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and others for trying to play creative football. It was aimed, too, at Ajax, beaten 2-0 here at the Friends Arena with a side who turned out to be an over-awed and out-muscled virtual youth team, despite their burst of brilliant play around the half-hour mark.
Art for art’s sake has always been anathema to Mourinho. Reflecting on United’s two trophy wins in 2016-17 (the League Cup was the other), he said: “So the season was the victory of pragmatism - and the people who respect the opponent and try to exploit the opponent’s weakness. Based on pragmatism and humble principles. Not poets.”
Nobody could accuse him of failing to work out what was needed to send Ajax back to their Dutch university without a prize. But then nor could anyone credit Mourinho with producing entertaining football, or staying true to the Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson tradition of positivity.
United and City donation statements
United and City have come together to pledge £1million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
The fund was set up to assist the families and dependants of the 22 people who died in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, which also left 64 people injured, many of them critically.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "We have all been humbled by the strength and solidarity shown by the people of Manchester in the days since the attack. The hope of both our clubs is that our donation will go some small way to alleviate the daunting challenges faced by those directly affected and that our acting together will serve as a symbol to the world of the unbreakable strength of the spirit of Manchester."
City and United combine to donate £1 million to We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. #ACityUnitedhttps://t.co/dPWdZVfzND
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 25, 2017
United executive chairman Ed Woodward said: "The barbarism of Monday evening's attack has shocked everyone. Our clubs are right at the heart of our local communities in Manchester and it is right that we present a unified response to this tragedy.
"The money will help, of course but the work of the two clubs and their respective foundation and community scheme can build on the fantastic spirit that Mancunians have shown in the immediate aftermath."
Breaking news
Manchester United and Manchester City have pledged £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, the clubs have announced.
#MUFC and Man City have come together to pledge £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund: https://t.co/0djf4nwBcd#ACityUnitedpic.twitter.com/W6ttah2rwx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2017
Mourinho tells 'fragile' United players to develop winning mentality
The United manager will address a mental fragility in the team's squad this summer after admitting they risk losing his trust.
In a revealing BT Sport documentary, Old Trafford Uncovered - with Mourinho, that was filmed before last night's final, Mourinho said: “For me what’s more difficult [as a manager] is the fragile mentality.
The Portuguese would like the rest of his squad to follow Marcus Rashford's lead and conceded that players can lose their appeal to him if they do not share his same winning strength.
“I think it’s probably my weakness as a manager, that it’s difficult for me to understand people with a different mentality to what I have. It’s difficult to understand so it takes me time to understand and sometimes I’m not able to feel attracted again [to the player].
Rooney makes huge donation to victims of Manchester attack
Wayne Rooney may well have played his last game for United last night but it was his contribution off the pitch which has been greatly received.
The former England captain has donated £100,000 through his foundation to help families affected by the Manchester terror attack.
“There are moments in life that instantly affect you and stop you in your tracks.
“Monday night was one of those occasions. Like so many others, I have enjoyed great nights at the arena, often with my family.
“As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically.”
.@FoundationWR is helping support the victims & families affected by Monday's events. Please visit https://t.co/SgT49qZGnM for more info ���� pic.twitter.com/EWmIsAqoxS
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 24, 2017
Beckham's tribute
Manchester United legend David Beckham got his reaction to last night's success spot on.
A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on May 24, 2017 at 2:00pm PDT
'Griezmann is not here - yet'
Pogba teased fans on social media when he hinted that long-time target Antoine Griezmann is 'not here - yet'.
The Frenchman started an Instagram live video to give supporters a flavour of the celebrations away from the pitch and made several references to Griezmann's potential arrival this summer.
Pogba walked around the team bus that was taking the United squad to the airport and can be heard saying: “Griezmann is not here… yet!”
The 24-year-old performs Griezmann’s trademark celebration before giving a knowing look to the camera - ‘Who is that?’
The whole Instagram video is below but you can watch Pogba's impression of his compatriot after four minutes and 45 seconds.
Memories
French Armenian footballer and France’s 1998 World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff has congratulated Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan on United's trophy success in a touching tweet.
How sweet...
*that day you told me you would one day win the Cup too...you deserve it my friend!!!!Congratulation @HenrikhMkh��bravo @ManUtd��@armenia ���� pic.twitter.com/6waoak6cPk
— Youri Djorkaeff (@youridjorkaeff) May 25, 2017
Who could United get in the Champions League draw?
United will avoid the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after their Europa League final triumph ensured they would be placed in Pot Two for the Champions League draw.
Their win in Stockholm ensures that United will go in alongside Barca, Atleti, PSG, Dortmund, Sevilla (should they come through the qualifying rounds), Man City and FC Porto and therefore cannot face any of these teams in the Champions League group stages.
Champions League draw - Pot One | Confirmed
Here's the full story on who they can and can't face
Zlatan takes centre stage
You can always rely on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to take centre attention when the big man, unfortunately, couldn't have a say on the pitch last night.
Read how he stole the show in his homeland with his 33rd major trophy.
Herrera is man of the moment
Mundo Deportivo also gave Barcelona-target Herrera a maximum three-out-three rating for his performance. Although his trio of stars look a great deal meatier than the full quota dished out to some of his other team-mates.
'Mourinho doesn't fail'
The outpouring of love and affection for Mourinho continues in Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo with their final report headlined: MOURINHO DOESN'T FAIL.
'Ajax could have played all week - and still not scored'
Another Spanish paper, AS, highlights how Ajax offered little going forward.
"A disciplined performance from Manchester United was enough to see off an exuberant Ajax side that spluttered, but never burst in to life during the Europa League final in Stockholm."
They add:
"With a two goal lead, United continued to concentrate. They were unadventurous and turgid, but they saw out their task. Ander Herrera was a niggling anti-hero in the centre of the midfield; destructive without the ball, and quietly efficient with it. He epitomised the dogged discipline that José Mourinho has instilled in this side."
'Justification for Mourinho and Pogba'
Spanish newspaper, Marca, meanwhile, claim victory over Ajax was 'justification for Mourinho and Pogba'.
They also report that Real Madrid will not decide on their goalkeeper situation until after next Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff.
United's David De Gea, who watched the final from the bench last night, reportedly told the Spanish giants he would only join if Keylor Navas leaves.
Real Madrid will decide on a new GK or Keylor after the CL Final. Open negotiations with De Gea won't continue until after that. [marca] pic.twitter.com/UoSQxyyqTm
— SB (@Realmadridplace) May 25, 2017
'In their name'
France's dedicated sports paper L'Equipe focused on Paul Pogba's contribution to United's win with their 'In their name' front page.
It was an especially emotional evening for the Frenchman who has been dealing with the passing of his father from a long-term illness less than a fortnight ago.
Fassou Antoine was buried in France last week and for most of the season, Pogba has been carrying the knowledge of his dad’s deteriorating health with him into games but kept it well hidden.
La Une de @lequipe aujourd'hui ! pic.twitter.com/1Y6taHGN46
— Parlons Foot (@ParlonsFootFr) May 25, 2017
United carry their city's trauma to Stockholm - and carry a victory home
Ajax's manager called it a 'boring final' and for Manchester United it released torrents of emotion that clearly helped them win the game, writes Paul Hayward.
When it was over, when United’s job had been mechanically executed, the best of Jose Mourinho’s players on the night delivered words of unusual power. Ander Herrera told us the team had been “devastated” in training on Tuesday, and said: “I want to dedicate this to the victims. We want peace in the world.” He urged people to “work together for a normal world”.
This is not the average acceptance speech for a Europa League man of the match. But then this was no average night. It might have overwhelmed Mourinho’s men. Instead they showed Ajax to be boys in a world of men. With direct, physical, unambitious but highly effective play, they added a second trophy to their 2016-17 campaign and found a way back into the Champions League. Now, we can argue about how they did it, and what they need to change. On the night, though, United honoured a promise to their community, and allowed it just a brief taste of normality.
Barcelona keen on Herrera
Ander Herrera finds himself on the front page of a leading newspaper in Spain this morning. Unfortunately for United manager Jose Mourinho, it is because Barcelona are reportedly desperate to sign the 27-year-old Spaniard.
According to the article in Sport, Barca's incoming manager Ernesto Valverde has made the signing of Herrera his top priority for the summer.
Earlier this week it was confirmed that Valverde will step down as Athletic Bilbao manager and is widely expected to succeed the outgoing Luis Enrique at the Nou Camp.
Sport reports that the 53-year-old has spoken to Barcelona's big bosses of his intention to bring Herrera back to Spain.
Herrera played under Valverde for one season at Athletic Bilbao before he joined United in the summer of 2014.
Valverde wants Ander Herrera who ends his deal with Man United in 2018. Mourinho wants to renew him at all costs (@sport) pic.twitter.com/IcJMOWsaOX
— FC Barcelona Fl (@FCBarcelonaFl) May 24, 2017
Herrera: We want peace in the world
Man-of-the-match Ander Herrera said the United players felt it was their duty to win the trophy. Mourinho and his players held a banner in celebration which read: “Manchester – a city United" while wearing their winners' medals.
“We are very happy. A European trophy you don’t win every day. I lost the final four years ago. I am happy but I want to dedicate this to the victims. This is just football but what happened two day ago was horrible. We want peace in the world - a normal world with respect. We are just football players but we have an audience so we want to work together for a normal world. This happened in Manchester but everywhere we need to have a united world to fight for peace and no more attacks and deaths please.
Herrera went on to say there is always motivation when you put on a United shirt and the 'obligation is always big because we represent the greatest club in England".
He also spoke about the events in Manchester.
“Yesterday morning we were devastated. We were really, really sad because you think of life and football - you have no choice. It was difficult to train yesterday but the manager told us the only thing we could do is win this for the victims and that is what we have done. It is just a football game and a trophy but if we can help and support with this just one per cent it is enough for us.”
Good things come to those who wait
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was harassing the ball boys in the second half of last night's final, according to Mourinho, and was kicking every ball on the sidelines. At the final whistle the legendary striker threw his crutches to the floor to rush on to the pitch and join his team-mates in celebration.
It was Zlatan's first European trophy of his lengthy career and the Swede got carried away by his emotions, having a picture taken in front of 'that' banner.
LEGEND: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a picture with the infamous Man United fan banner. ���� pic.twitter.com/myCMXqic4e
— SPORF (@Sporf) May 24, 2017
Mourinho spoke afterwards at his regret that the injured Zlatan couldn't make his presence felt on the pitch.
“It is so unfair what happened to him. Sometimes football and life is unfair. This night would be an amazing night if he was on the pitch - here in his home town where his statue will be. I am really sorry he was not able to play this final but he played outside with the other guys behind the bench. He also told the ball boys to take it easy in the second half so I am glad he finally gets a European trophy in his amazing career.”
'Mourinho must get it right in the transfer market'
The Europa League victory will not mask over the weaknesses that undid United in their pursuit of challenging for the Premier League title and, indeed earning a Champions League spot through the normal route of the league campaign.
James Ducker says Mourinho is "too smart, too savvy to kid himself into thinking there is not considerable work to be done".
No Premier League side has yet been able to demonstrate that they can sufficiently tackle the Thursday-Sunday conundrum raised by involvement in the Europa League, not even a club with United’s resources. Another campaign fumbling around in Europe’s secondary cup competition would naturally have placed a question mark around the legitimacy of a serious title challenge out of Old Trafford, whereas now Mourinho and his players will be able to look ahead with a renewed sense of optimism. And so they should. Two pieces of silverware, the League Cup and Europa League, or three if you count the Community Shield as Mourinho, that ultimate trophy-hunter, most certainly does, in addition to Champions League qualification, constitutes success by most definitions.
But Mourinho is too smart, too savvy to kid himself into thinking there is not considerable work to be done. There may be mitigating factors behind a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, an alarming 24 points adrift of champions Chelsea. Mourinho threw in the towel in the league weeks before the end of the season as he prioritised Europe and fatigue and injuries to key personnel told. But there are weaknesses and shortcomings a successful climax to the campaign cannot mask and Mourinho must get it right in the transfer market as he chases the injection of quality United so clearly still need.
1 - Jose Mourinho is the first manager to win both the European Cup/CL (2) & UEFA Cup/Europa League (2) more than once. Winner. pic.twitter.com/8qouf1cC3y
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 24, 2017
Pogba: We played for the people who died
Paul Pogba dedicated United's triumph to the victims of Manchester terror attack. Pogba, who has also been dealing with the death of his father just under a fortnight ago, said:
"We know that things like this are very sad, all over the world: in Manchester, in London and in Paris, too. We had to focus because it was a very important game and we won for them and for the country.
"We played for England, we played for Manchester, and we played for the people who died."
Pogba, who opened the scoring before Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the lead, added:
"We knew we were going to play in the Europa League and the goal was to win the Europa League.
"We did it, so we're very proud. Some say we had a bad season but the prize is here. We worked hard and we'll enjoy it now."
Who fired and who flopped for Ajax and Man Utd in the Europa League final?
Mourinho strengthens hand with European glory
Victory over Ajax has strengthened Jose Mourinho's hand in the transfer market this summer. United have long been linked with a move for Antoine Griezmann while David De Gea's future remains unclear.
Here's our midlands correspondent John Percyon how United have becoming a more attracting proposition for players across Europe.
The futures of Antoine Griezmann and David De Gea were intrinsically linked to this Europa League Final, with the pressure on Manchester United to win. A victory over Ajax was always going to be crucial to Mourinho’s short-term plans, with a place in the Champions League next season the prize, so there will now be huge optimism for the months ahead.
Griezmann’s teasing comment of a move to United being “6/10” will undoubtedly lean more in Mourinho’s favour now, for the prospect of the France international signing without Champions League football were non-existent.
A move from Atletico Madrid is now highly likely, with the fee expected to be around £85million due to a release clause. De Gea’s career at Old Trafford could also be extended after this triumph, in another blow for Real Madrid who have fluttered their eyelids at the goalkeeper for years. The threat of another bid from Madrid cannot be completely discounted, but Mourinho’s hand is certainly strengthened by events in Stockholm.
Our northern west football correspondent James Ducker expects a deal for Griezmann to be tied up in the next two to three weeks.
Expect Antoine Griezmann will now join United. He wants it resolved in next 2-3 weeks before he goes on honeymoon #mufc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) May 24, 2017
Man Utd unite a grieving city with Europa triumph
Manchester United pulled together in their city's time of darkness, showing no little skill and spirit to overcome Ajax and win the Europa League last night.
Less than 48 hours after a terror attack killed 22 people and injured many more at Manchester Arena, the club's fans, players and staff stood unbowed in Stockholm.
Football seems trivial at a time of such pain but United embraced the spirit shown in spades by the city they represent, with Jose Mourinho's men winning the Europa League as goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured a 2-0 triumph.
Their arch rivals Manchester City tweeted a poignant image at the final whistle.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2017
Inside the Friends Arena stadium in Stockholm, fans rallied behind their team and the city as a whole. Manchester United supporters were superb throughout and chanted the city's name with more gusto than ever.
We will have all the reaction to last night's final and what this means for the club and city going forward.
