Man United rediscover aura, winning mentality under Mou

Red Devils back with the big boys of European soccer

STOCKHOLM, May 25, (AP): Two trophies, qualification for the Champions League, and a re-establishment of the club’s old aura and winning mentality. Jose Mourinho’s first season at Manchester United can be deemed a success.

For all his spin, his at-times questionable man-management and the cautious approach of his team, Mourinho is proving to be the coach to whom United really should have turned after the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013.

The tenures of David Moyes (10 months) and Louis van Gaal (two years) set United back, and are blots in their illustrious recent history. England’s biggest club looks to be in the right hands now.

Winning the Europa League — courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday — was a game-changer for United and Mourinho. It secured an automatic spot in next season’s Champions League group stage, meaning United are back with the big boys of European soccer. Where United should be, given their history, prestige, and wealth. “For me, it’s the most important trophy of my career,” said Mourinho, who is never shy of hyperbole.

Ajax Brazilian forward David Neres (right), vies for the ball during the UEFA Europa League final football match Ajax Amsterdam vs Manchester United

on May 24, at the Friends Arena in Solna outside Stockholm. (AFP)

Mourinho said he was looking forward to taking a break from the game after a taxing last few months of the season, capped by playing the Europa League final in the wake of the bomb attack at a concert in Manchester that killed 22 people.

Yet, in the back of his mind, he will surely be plotting forensically for next season.

His shopping list of potential signings is already in the hands of United vice chairman Ed Woodward, with Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann likely at the top of it.

“Now it’s up to him and the owners,” Mourinho said.

United have splashed out more than $500 million on signings in the transfer market in the past three offseasons.