Manchester United claimed the Europa League on a night of rare emotion with a performance from the proudest pages of Jose Mourinho's textbook. They prevailed 2-0 against Ajax despite completing far fewer passes; their use of the ball efficient and devastating.
Paul Pogba opened the scoring with a deflected strike early in the first half, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan provided the killer strike fairly early in the second. Meanwhile, Ajax hardly had a chance of note. It was not the most elegant of wins, but in years to come it will be regarded as the evening Mourinho's first season truly became a success.
Positives
United's makeshift back four was extremely resilient, Pogba was poised and imposing, and Marcus Rashford was hardworking in an often isolated role as the sole striker.
Negatives
There were none of note. Mourinho achieved exactly what he wanted to in, presumably, precisely the manner he wished.
Manager rating out of 10
9 -- All credit must go to Mourinho for this win. In a style reminiscent of his 2-0 win over Bayern Munich with Inter Milan in the 2010 Champions League final, he made his team sit deep in a 4-2-3-1 formation and absorb the pressure from Ajax.
Then, twice and decisively, United struck. This was containment and counterattack at its most efficient and devastating, and sees United into the Champions League next season. They are now a much more attractive destination for summer transfers, and somewhere in there Mourinho must be mightily relieved.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Sergio Romero, 7 -- Had to be sharp early on but was untroubled thereafter, with the defence in front of him ensuring that he did not have to make a vital save. A fairly uneventful day at the office for him.
DF Antonio Valencia, 8 -- Showed why he was the club's Player's Player of the Year with a familiarly prodigious amount of work down his flank, giving his opposite man no respite in defence and getting forward to singe the keeper's hands with a fine drive in the first half. Positionally superb throughout.
DF Chris Smalling, 7 -- In a season where he has not always been at his best, this was one of his stronger performances, stepping forward quickly to eliminate emerging threats and clearing his lines with minimal fuss.
DF Daley Blind, 8 -- There was fear over his appearance against such fast forwards but there need not have been, his very fine anticipation removing dangers before they arose. Played the ball out with intelligence and composure against his former side.
DF Matteo Darmian, 8 -- An excellent game where he sat deep and closed out Ajax's runs from midfield. Was the very picture of concentration -- he did not readily catch the eye, which meant that his was a job very well done.
MF Marouane Fellaini, 7 -- Held the ball up well and distributed the ball promptly and simply. Performed his limited brief with great discipline, confirming himself as one of the successes of Mourinho's first season in charge.
MF Ander Herrera, 8 -- His work rate was again prodigious in a deep-lying role, closing the space between defence and midfield and giving Ajax's talented attack absolutely no room. He delivered quietly but effectively.
MF Paul Pogba, 8 -- Scored early with a deflected strike, was very attentive in defence and spread the play smartly when needed. Not always the most precise with his final ball, but played with impressive grit and was as good as anyone on the night.
MF Juan Mata, 7 -- Provided a crucial outlet for passes and kept the ball with his typical intelligence. In the midst of an often intense match he was a much-needed figure of calm.
MF Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 7 -- A mixed performance, in truth. Though his movement was very good, he often lost the ball in promising positions, seeming too keen to do complicated things where simple passes would have sufficed. However, he sealed the game with a superb close-range finish.
FW Marcus Rashford, 7 -- Worked extremely hard in attack, not seeing much of the ball but playing a vital role in providing pressure from the front. An understated role in this success, and it is notable that Mourinho trusted him with such a responsibility.
Substitutes
MF Jesse Lingard (for Mkhitaryan, 74 mins) N/R -- Gave intensity high up the pitch if not always the most composed. A vital injection of pace in the closing stages.
FW Anthony Martial (for Rashford, 84) N/R -- As gifted a substitute as United have had, he will hope for much more involvement next year. Helped to close the game out.
Wayne Rooney (for Mata, 90) N/R -- Utterly fitting that he was on the pitch at the end. Not chosen nearly as much as he would have liked this season, but his presence on the field felt symbolic given his contribution down the years.