Manchester United entertain Ajax in the Europa League final on 24th May which could be their path to Champions League. The Red Devils failed to clinch a spot in the top four but they have a realistic chance to make it to the tournament by lifting the title in Stockholm. However, dealing with Ajax won’t be an easy task as the Dutch side boasts of a number of young players and will be much rejuvenated for the final. They also got a couple of days extra rest which could prove to be vital in this crucial meeting.
United have had a relatively easy path than Ajax in their road to the final. Apart from Celta Vigo, United didn’t have to toil too hard as they cruised to the penultimate fixture with sheer ease. Keeping the final in mind, Mourinho hasn’t fielded his best eleven in the last few matches and even fielded a youthful starting lineup in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
On the contrary, Ajax had to defeat Schalke, Lyon and Celta Vigo on their route to the final. The side has shown real promise and stakes will be very high.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
Eric Bailly has been ruled out of the match after he was shown the marching order for an unnecessary scuffle with few of the Celta Vigo players. The Portuguese has a tough task as he has to choose between Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Phil Jones. Apart from that, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are long time absentees. Mourinho is expected to field a strong lineup to cope up with the Ajax youngsters.
Romero; Darmian, Blind, Jones, Valencia, Carrick, Herrera; Pogba, Martial, Mkhitaryan; Rashford
Ajax
The Dutch team has no major injury concerns ahead of one of the big games of their history.
Onana; Tete, De Ligt, Sanchez, Veltman; Klaassen, Schone, Ziyech; Traore, Dolberg, Younes
Key Players
Manchester United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian remains the potential threat in the Europa League. The 28-year-old has been the provider of goals for the Red Devils as he struck five times in the tournament so far. He hasn’t able to provide that kind of influence but this is by far the most important game of this season and this would be the best occasion to showcase his talent.
Ajax
Kasper Dolberg
The 19-year-old has been a shining light for the Dutch side as he has netted 23 goals for Ajax in all competitions this season. United defenders need to be very alert as the teenager would be very keen to win his first major trophy with the club.
Odds
Manchester United- 10/11
Draw- 5/2
Ajax- 15/4
