BACK IN SEPTEMBER, before a fourth official had been harassed in anger, Jose Mourinho admitted that Manchester United didn’t want to be in the Europa League as he was worried it would damage his team’s Premier League title bid.
However, many watching United this season would argue that the Portuguese boss did more to harm their title chances than anything else.
Indeed, such has been the mediocrity served up at Old Trafford over the past six months, Europe’s secondary competition represents their last chance to be knocked out of the group stages of next year’s Champions League.
Faced with the dilemma of having to win a competition he clearly loathes, we can’t help but wonder what thoughts might go through Mourinho’s head during the final:
“What this game needs is Marouane Fellaini”
The much-maligned Belgian has played in 10 of Manchester United’s 14 Europa League games this season, with four of those appearances coming off the bench.
Likewise, more than half his Premier League appearances have come when Mourinho has decided his particular set of skills are required to change or close out a game.
Will Mourinho trust his hirsute midfielder to follow up his crucial semi-final goal, either from the start or off the bench? All the evidence this season certainly suggests he’ll consider it.
Marouane Fellaini to score anytime - 11/2
“How are those Ajax lads still full of running in the 115th minute?”
The average age of Mourinho’s starting XI this season has been nearly 23, while the squad averages a positively ancient 27.
Compare that to their Dutch challengers whose average starting XI is barely over 20 or, to make you feel really old, born after every football hipster’s favourite team, Ajax ’95, were conquering Europe.
Combine this with the fact that United (63) have played significantly more games than Ajax (55) and Mourinho might well be worried his opponents will be too good on the night.
Ajax to win the game in extra time: 14/1
“I knew Pogba would finally show them all on a big stage”
Mourinho has been one of the French midfielder’s most vocal supporters this season, consistently defending the price tag that brought him to Old Trafford in a world record move.
That belief has played out on the field too, with the 24-year old one of the few ever-presents throughout their Europa League campaign, chipping in with two goals and an assist along the way.
And while the world’s most expensive footballer has come in for his fair share of criticism this season, it’s worth noting that he has put in a shift when it’s mattered and was named Man of the Match in two of United’s last three Europa League games.
Paul Pogba to be named Man of the Match: 9/1
“I wonder if I should sign that Dolberg guy?”
Despite being just 19, Kasper Dolberg is one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe having found the back of the net six times in nine starts as Ajax reached the Europa League final.
Coached by Dennis Bergkamp, the young Danish striker has been likened to another legendary Ajax striker, Marco Van Basten.
With rumors of a €23 million bid coming from United for Dolberg in the summer, Mourinho will hope he doesn’t have one last hurrah for the Amsterdam side.
Kasper Dolberg to score first: 6/1
“Am I still the Special One?”
Jose Mourinho and self-confidence used to go together like Alex Ferguson and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon with the opposing manager after a game.
But this was the worst season of the 54-year old’s career with a win percentage of just 57.1%; having watched his side draw 18 of the 63 games they’ve played.
Three times in the Europa League this season, they’ve seen a 1-0 lead turn into a 1-1 draw. However, across all competitions, every time they’ve scored two or more goals, they’ve won.
Manchester United to win by exactly two goals: 4/1
Fancy a punt on the Europa League final? Ireland’s biggest bookmaker Paddy Power have the odds on every market – plus, if United, or Ajax, go two up, we will pay out immediately. Check out our Europa League final odds here, or simply download the Paddy Power app for iOS or Android.
For more tips, insight and the odd star columnist, head over to the Paddy Power blog.
