Manchester United take on Ajax on Wednesday night at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, knowing that a win – and only a win – will secure their passage into the Champions League group stages for next season.
The Europa League was not how United wanted to qualify for the Champions League, but after a difficult domestic campaign it is their last hope of returning to European football’s top table.
Manager Jose Mourinho rested the majority of his big names for Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace, ensuring that the squad had full focus on the task at hand in Europe.
One thing is for sure: it will not be plain sailing for United in the final. Ajax have shown their pedigree with impressive aggregate victories against the likes of Schalke and Lyon – and they too are desperate for continental success.
Uefa confirmed a minute’s silence would be held before the final and United will don black armbands in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester.
Ajax coach Peter Bosz showed empathy with United’s situation.
“What happened yesterday evening in Manchester is something we all feel in Ajax and on behalf of all of us at Ajax we express our sympathies with the victims that fell,” Bosz said. “The feeling that prevails is the final does not have the glow it should have.
“Tomorrow evening should be a football feast but because of the events in Manchester we are affected. It is horrible. My sympathies are heartfelt.” – Agency report.
