PRIDE OF MANCHESTER

United heroes seal emotional victory

® from JEREMY CROSS in Stockholm

MANCHESTER UNITED blocked out the grief to win an emotional Europa League Final in Stockholm last night.

The victory, which came after Monday night’s bombing atrocity at the Manchester Arena, seals United’s place in next season’s Champions League.

Paul Pogba had a hefty slice of luck when the £89m midfielder’s 25-yard opener in the 18th minute deflected in off Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez.

And Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed it by flicking home in the 48th minute as United claimed the only European trophy they had never won.

Boss Jose Mourinho summed up the sombre mood that has overwhelmed the team by not getting off his seat in the dugout to celebrate either goal.

And before kick-off he admitted: “It is our job. We are ready for it but not with the same happiness that a great moment like this normally brings.”

Goal hero Pogba said: “The objective was to win. We are very proud. People have said we have had a bad season but the prize is here.”