UEFA Europa League 2017 final witnessed a clash of titans as Manchester United faced off against Ajax in a thrilling encounter. The final, held at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, promised a spectacle of footballing prowess and tactical masterclass. Manchester United, led by the pragmatic Jose Mourinho, sought to add another European trophy to their cabinet, while the young and dynamic Ajax, spearheaded by Erik ten Hag, aimed to reclaim their European glory.
Manchester United’s Experience Versus Ajax’s Youthful Ardor
The final pitted experience against youthful exuberance. Manchester United, a team adorned with seasoned veterans like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney, boasted a wealth of experience in high-pressure matches. Their journey to the final was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline. Ajax, on the other hand, fielded a team brimming with young talents like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong. Their attacking flair and fearless approach had captivated audiences throughout the tournament.
The tactical battle between Mourinho and ten Hag added another layer of intrigue to the final. Mourinho, known for his pragmatic approach, set up his team to absorb pressure and hit Ajax on the counter. Ten Hag, a proponent of possession-based football, encouraged his team to play with their trademark attacking verve.
The First Half: Manchester United’s Early Dominance
From the first whistle, Manchester United asserted their dominance. Their experience and physicality allowed them to control the tempo of the game. Paul Pogba, a dominant force in midfield, dictated the play with his passing range and vision. Marcus Rashford, deployed as a lone striker, stretched the Ajax defense with his pace and movement.
The Red Devils’ early pressure paid off in the 18th minute. A corner kick from the left flank found Pogba unmarked inside the box, and the Frenchman made no mistake, heading the ball past Andre Onana in the Ajax goal.
Ajax, despite their early setback, tried to stay true to their attacking principles. However, Manchester United’s organized defense proved difficult to break down. Daley Blind, a former Ajax player, marshaled the defense with composure and tactical awareness.
The Second Half: Manchester United’s Tactical Masterclass
The second half saw Manchester United adopt a more conservative approach. They sat back, inviting pressure from Ajax, and looked to hit them on the counter-attack. Mourinho’s tactical nous was on full display as his team defended resolutely, frustrating the young Ajax attackers.
Ajax, despite their best efforts, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Manchester United’s defense, well-drilled and disciplined, stood firm. As the game wore on, Ajax’s frustration grew, and their attacks became increasingly desperate.
In the 64th minute, Manchester United doubled their lead, putting the game beyond Ajax’s reach. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who had come on as a substitute, reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box, volleying it into the net.
The Final Whistle: Manchester United Crowned Champions
As the final whistle blew, Manchester United emerged victorious, claiming their second UEFA Europa League title. The victory was a testament to their experience, tactical discipline, and Mourinho’s managerial brilliance. For Ajax, despite the disappointment, the final was a valuable learning experience for their young squad.
The UEFA Europa League 2017 final was a captivating encounter that showcased the beautiful game’s contrasting styles and tactical nuances. For Manchester United, it was a night of triumph and redemption, while for Ajax, it was a night of heartbreak but also a sign of their promising future.
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FAQs
1. Who won the UEFA Europa League 2017 final?
Manchester United won the UEFA Europa League 2017 final, defeating Ajax 2-0.
2. Where was the UEFA Europa League 2017 final held?
The final was held at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
3. Who scored the goals for Manchester United in the final?
Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the goals for Manchester United.
4. Who were the managers of Manchester United and Ajax in the final?
Jose Mourinho managed Manchester United, while Erik ten Hag managed Ajax.
5. What was the significance of Manchester United winning the UEFA Europa League 2017?
The victory secured Manchester United’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League the following season. It was also their second UEFA Europa League title.
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