United’s reputation at stake in Europa final Manchester attack scars summit clash
Red Devils will look to overthrow energetic Ajax and secure a berth in next year’s Champions League
STOCKHOLM:Jose Mourinho’s first season at Manchester United will be deemed by many as a failure unless they win Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax Amsterdam to secure Champions League qualification.
The Portuguese coach arrived at Old Trafford at the start of this campaign charged with the task of restoring United to, if not their old dominance, at least a place at the top table in the Premier League elite.
But a sixth-place finish is lower than Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van Gaal managed in his two seasons, which concluded with fourth and fifth places. It is not the prestige of the Europa League title that would change the perspective on the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager’s first year at United but the place that triumph would secure in the continent’s top club competition. For United, a second straight season outside the European elite would not only be a blow for the fans and the club’s status but could also affect their ability to recruit the very best talent from across the globe.
For Mourinho, there is also his own ‘brand’ to consider.
The 54-year-old left Chelsea last season after a shocking campaign, only for largely the same group of players to march to the Premier League title this term under Antonio Conte.
The move to United offered a chance to restore Mourinho’s reputation as a winner — but a season with just a League Cup triumph and no Champions League place would surely have his critics crowing again. Mourinho’s tactics have been criticised as overly cautious and others have taken aim at his habit of publicly naming and shaming individual players, such as Luke Shaw.
On Monday, ex-Arsenal striker turned Sky Sports TV pundit Thierry Henry said United’s biggest signing — world record £89 million purchase Paul Pogba — was underperforming due to Mourinho’s tactics. MANCHESTER:Manchester United’s preparations for Wednesday’s Europa League final were plunged into sadness on Tuesday after a bomb attack at a Manchester pop concert killed 22 people.
Manager Jose Mourinho led his players in a solemn minute’s silence on United’s Carrington training pitches west of Manchester city centre and said the club had been deeply affected by the tragedy.
“We’re all very sad about the tragic events last night; we can’t take out of our minds and hearts the victims and their families,” Mourinho said in quotes published on United’s Twitter account.
United were due to fly to Stockholm, scene of the final, later on Tuesday, but the club cancelled their pre-match press conference scheduled to take place at the city’s Friends Arena.
United’s opponents in the final, Dutch club Ajax, tweeted: “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected.”
European governing body UEFA said it had “no specific intelligence” suggesting the Europa League final would be targeted by attacks.
UEFA urged fans to arrive at the stadium “as early as possible” on Wednesday as “detailed (security) checks will be made at the entrances”.
United club captain Wayne Rooney expressed his shock on Twitter, writing: “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”
Former United player Cristiano Ronaldo published a picture of a British Union Jack flag bearing the word “MANCHESTER” on his social media accounts.
“So sad to hear the news from Manchester,” the Real Madrid superstar wrote on Instagram. “My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.”
David Beckham, who made his name as a global football star at United, expressed his condolences via an Instagram message, saying: “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.”
Gary Lineker summed up a mood of widespread revulsion when he tweeted: “To target children at a concert is beyond comprehension. Beyond lunacy. Beyond evil. Heart goes out to all those who’ve lost loved ones.”