Europa League Final: Manchester United v. Ajax

After the tragedy of this past week in Manchester, it’s easy to forget that there is still a football match to play today. Heavy hearts are plentiful within the United camp, but they still have to face a young, boastful Ajax side who are eager to etch their name into history by becoming another giant killer. This match will be interesting with many subplots and stories, but we will focus on two key players that will decide this match. Depending on their performances, they can either carry their team to glory, or condemn them to a heartbreaking loss.

Manchester United’s Key Man: Paul Pogba

After a stop-start beginning to the campaign, Paul Pogba has slowly begun to show the form and class that made him the world’s most expensive player last summer. A midfielder of infinite talent, Pogba is a skilled dribbler, with supreme strength, and the eye of a hawk. His ability to hold off impending challenges and pick out a pass rivals some of the best in the world and it is easy to forget that he still is a young player who has not yet hit his zenith.

The key for Pogba and Manchester United, is his decision making. This season, Pogba’s decision making has been substandard at times. Eager to prove his doubters wrong, he can be suceptible to falling in love with the Hollywood pass instead of the simple play. He shoots from distance, instead of recycling the ball to continue applying pressure. He often can get caught on the ball deciding what pass to play or move to make, resulting on a turnover and counter attack.

This decision making will be key against Ajax. Ajax’s high press will try to force United into turnovers that they can break on. Marcus Rashford will be the point person up top, so its key that Pogba is able to get the ball up to Rashford and the wingers quickly, but also in posession look for one-two’s that can exploit Ajax’s sometimes overzealous high line and press. With speedy players like Rashford, Martial, Mkhitariyan, and Lingard, no matter who Jose plays there will be an abundance of space for these pacey players to exploit. It’s Pogba’s job to unlock them.

Ajax’s Key Man: Kasper Dolberg

For Ajax to have a chance to snatch the win, Kasper can’t go ghost. A 19 year old forward, Dolberg has led the line in a young, but incredibly talented Ajax team. His movement has been devastating, and his finishing clinical. Manchester United will definitely have their hands full trying to contain the mecurial Danish wonderkid.

With Eric Bailly out of the final due to his red card in the previous match, and Marcos Rojo out indefinitely, the task of marshalling Kasper will fall to some combination of Daley Blind, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling. Each can be had under the right conditions if Kasper properly exploits their deficiencies.

Chris Smalling is suceptible to brain farts. Plays in which he has to make quick decisions and reactions are his downfall. Set pieces, Corner kicks, or quick passing around the box tend to cause Smalling to act rashly out of fear. Kasper should sit on his shoulder under those conditions to try to exploit his mistakes.

Phil Jones is probably the most complete of the three centerbacks left at United’s disposal, but he is far from perfect. Jones’ problems come from his lack of technical ability. He plays like a 13 year old who grew 6 inches in one summer and doesn’t have control of his body. This leads to poor clearances, bad headers, and missed tackles. Jones has at least one or two mistakes in him a game and Dolberg can capitalize on that.

Finally, Daley Blind is a great reader of the game, but is severly lacking in athletic ability. Hes slow as dirt and very weak for someone his size. He can’t jump very high, making him a weak marker for set pieces and headers. He combats this lack of physical ability with a great football mind, trying to be in position before the play happens so he isn’t out of position. Kasper either by speed, or by brute force, should try to bully Daley. A couple tussles can get under his skin and once he shrinks in confidence, his one safeguard against his physical limitations is nullified.

Prediction

Ajax are fearless, but with the overall talent of Manchester United along with the wave of support following the recent attacks in the city, it’s hard to see the Red Devils not coming home with the one trophy missing from their plentiful cabinet.

Manchester United 3–1 Ajax