Manchester United claimed their second trophy of the season and secured Champions League football as they overcame Ajax to win the Europa League final in Stockholm.
On an emotional night following the attack which killed 22 people at Ariana Grande's concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday, United's fans were allowed a measure of celebration as Jose Mourinho's side won in comfort.
Paul Pogba's deflected shot put them ahead in the 19th minute and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's sixth Europa League goal of the campaign, flicked in from Marouane Fellaini's header at a corner, confirmed they would add to the EFL Cup won against Southampton earlier this season.
Wayne Rooney made a brief appearance as a substitute with a minute of normal time left and the game won, being handed the captain's armband by Antonio Valencia on what could well be his farewell appearance for United.
And as the final whistle sounded and United's celebrations began, chants of "Manchester" rang around the Friends Arena in tribute to those who died and were injured in the attack which cast a shadow over this showpiece occasion.
It means United are now the fifth team to claim the full quota of European trophies, joining an illustrious list with Ajax, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Mourinho back in the old routine
Mourinho has had his moments of frustration this season - especially with 15 Premier League draws that led to an unsatisfactory sixth place.
It left United's Champions League hopes resting on this game but this win and subsequent qualification for the group stages of Europe's elite tournament means that Mourinho can regard this season as a real success.
Some may question the quality of United's performances and this unquestionably remains a work in progress but two trophies and that place back in the Champions League is an impressive outcome, irrespective of the style in which it was achieved.
It was also a European final won without key defender Eric Bailly, who was suspended, and 28-goal leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who sustained a serious knee injury in the quarter-final win against Anderlecht at Old Trafford.
Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp have received much praise for their work this season and getting into next season's Champions League - Mourinho has done that and added the actual tangible reward of two pieces of silverware on top.
Mourinho's mood has often been dark this season but he still has that habit of dealing in his favourite currency, namely trophies.
And it means United can, finally, regard their season as a successful one as a night which started with a mixture of silence then applause for those who died in Monday's attack and ended with Wayne Rooney lifting the Europa League trophy on what is very likely to be his final appearance for the club.
Pogba shows his class
Pogba has struggled to justify the world-record transfer fee of £89m paid to Juventus last summer but this was a stage on which he showed flashes of the qualities that persuaded Mourinho to make him such a high-priority signing.
Like this United side, there is still much to do before he can be regarded as the finished article but the manner in which he made sure early midfield dominance was secured was impressive and he added a goal for good measure.
It may end up being classed as an own goal but Pogba will happily accept it, trying his luck from 20 yards after being afforded just a little too much space by Ajax captain Davy Klaassen and helped by a huge deflection off Davinson Sanchez. And perhaps he was due that touch of good fortune after being thwarted by the woodwork so often this season.
And it was another profitable night for another big-money Mourinho buy, Mkhitaryan. The Armenian struggled in the first half but showed what a priceless poacher's instinct he has, swooping from close range for another Europa League goal.
Ajax youngsters suffer stage fright
Ajax coach Peter Bosz admitted it would be understandable for his young side to feel nervous - and his fears were confirmed as they were never able to show off the full extent of their glittering promise.
Six of the starting line-up were 21 or under in the youngest 11 to start a major European final with an average age of 22 years and 280 days. In defender Matthijs de Ligt, they had the youngest player to feature in one at 17 years and 285 days.
This was a night of disappointment for this great, historic old club but they are staying true to their finest traditions by producing outstanding young talent and showing a commitment to attacking football.
Ajax have established the foundations for more success.
Man of the match - Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Latest Stories
-
2024 Election: Voter apathy caused NPP’s defeat – Justin Kodua
27 minutes -
Ghanaian teacher shortlisted for GEM’s $1m global prize
31 minutes -
Young entrepreneurs encouraged to capitalise on 5-year tax exemption Incentives
40 minutes -
Lord Morrgan fulfils promise; gifts fan Wale new motorbike
1 hour -
CHAN 2024 Draw: Two-time Champions Morocco in Group A with hosts Kenya
1 hour -
Disregarding ORAL’s mandate doesn’t help the nation – Kpebu
1 hour -
NDC gov’t cannot fulfil its promises under the current IMF programme – Godfred Bokpin
2 hours -
13 newly recruited staff posted to Creative Arts Agency
2 hours -
NPP: You can’t blame me or the chairman for election defeat – Justin Kodua
2 hours -
ORAL team is illegal, Mahama was president-elect when he set up committee – Minority
2 hours -
27-year-old seeks to represent Ashanti Region on the Council of State
2 hours -
There is a new leader in town, but yet to be tested practically on the job – Nana Amoasi VII on Energy Minister-designate
2 hours -
Fire Service to restore fire tenders and establish permanent coverage at major markets- Alex King Nartey
2 hours -
“Even in death, you’re still touching lives” – Mother’s tribute to 10-year-old Lisa Laryea who died of Leukemia
2 hours -
Volta regional minister designate, James Gunu: A timely reset for development and progress
2 hours