Ajax 0-2 Man United - Seven deadly stats

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  • So many narratives provided the backdrop for the Europa League final as Ajax and Manchester United went into battle at Stockholm but the overriding one was always that of a city beginning to heal itself, once again through sport.

    The terror attacks in Manchester on Monday night, still fresh in the memory, contributed largely to the sombre mood ahead of the Europa finale but rather than be engulfed by emotion, United were able to keep their heads and secure a calculated 2-0 win.

    Apart from winning the trophy itself, achieving Champions League football is what Jose Mourinho will be celebrating, without which his first season at Old Trafford would well have been deemed a failure.

    Here, we look back at some of the standout stats.

    CRUCIAL FIRST GOAL

    United haven’t lost a game this season after scoring first – One of United’s major drawbacks this season has been their inability to score early on. As games progressed they grew frustrated.

    When they have managed the first goal though they’ve been able to dictate the game and that’s precisely what happened in the Europa final.

    DOLBERG ISOLATED

    Just 10 touches for Kasper Dolberg in the first half – Much was made of the Danish talent before the game but he was completely suffocated by United’s defence.

    He went on to register just 16 touches in the whole game, the least of all the players who started from both sides. He was substituted in the 62nd minute.

    EUROPE CONQUERED

    United become the fifth team to win all three major European Cup – United have now won the Champions League, European Super Cup and the Europa League.

    Only Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Ajax and Juventus.

    SERIAL WINNER

    Mourinho averages a trophy every 33.2 games – Say what you will about Mourinho and his disappointments in the last couple of years, he’s still continued to deliver silverware regardless.

    He’s now won a ridiculous 12 trophies in his 15 years in management.

    TRAORE THREAT

    Bertrand Traore completed five take-ons in the first half – The Chelsea loanee was in excellent form, causing United all sorts of problems in the first half.

    His five take-ons in the first half was more than any other player on the pitch. United did manage to contain him better in the second period though.

    MAROUANE ON TOP

    Fellaini won a record 15 aerial duels vs Ajax – The Belgian’s tally set a new Europa League record for most aerial duels in a single match (2009-present).

    His 15 successful aerial duels were also more than the entire Ajax side combined (12).

    NO SMALL FEAT

    Chris Smalling made eight clearances vs Ajax – There was a debate before the game over who should partner Daley Blind in central defence for United.

    Smalling got the nod and full justified his selection. In addition to making eight clearances in the game, some of which were crucial in the closing stages, he also won all five of his aerial duels and managed to get three blocks in as well.

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