PLAYER
but five minutes later he had to save the first shot of the game when Bertrand Traore fired straight at him.
But just as the Dutch side started to get a foothold in the game, they fell behind when the luck that has deserted Pogba most of the season in front of goal finally smiled on the Frenchman.
A United throw-in on the right was flicked on by Mata to Fellaini, who squared to Pogba 25 yards out. He took a touch on his right foot before pulling the trigger with his left, with the ball taking a big deflection off Davinson Sanchez’s shin and looping over Onana.
Pogba was everywhere in the first half, controlling midfield, getting back to help out his defence with a couple of important headed clearances and, of course, firing in for the opener.
Ajax attempted to get their passing game going and enjoyed the bulk of possession for the rest of the half but United looked in control at the break.
It took only two minutes of the second half for United to take a firmer grip on the trophy as they made it 2-0.
Fellaini’s physical presence distracted the Ajax defence allowing Chris Smalling, running in behind him, to climb high and head down Mata’s inswinging corner. Mkhitaryan, with his back to goal, flicked the ball over his shoulder and into the back of the net.
Ajax made a couple of substitutions but although they continued to play neat, possession football they lacked the penetration to worry United’s defence.
When they won a freekick 20 yards out it represented their best chance to pull a goal back and set up a rousing finale.
However, an anxious moment for United saw Hakim Ziyech’s poor shot fly straight into a wall packed with 15 players from both sides. The effort summed up Ajax’s night.