In wake of tragedy, the true value of sporting events is most clear. Sports serves as a welcome distraction from the ugliness of the world and can serve as a reminder that there are reasons, in this era of terror attacks that there are things to look forward to. Such was the reminder that Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United football team delivered against Ajax in the Europa League Final, which in addition to securing an automatic Champions League bid hopefully gave the residents of Manchester some much needed smiles in their time of need after a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert killed over 20 people, including children, which in addition to being another in a long line of frightening acts of wanton violence has wounded the City of Manchester. Much like the city they represent, although by no means to the same degree, United found itself coming into the game injured, lacking star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Marcos Rojo. Unlike those who were victims of the attack both of these men have a tomorrow.
The star of the match was much-maligned midfielder Paul Pogba who after transferring to Old Trafford for a world record 89 million British Pounds, had endured a disappointing and trying campaign. By scoring the first of United’s two goals in the eighteenth minute, Pogba almost certainly succeeding in temporarily hushing his and United’s critics after they finished sixth in the Premiership in a season where they recorded an unseemly 15 draws in 38 games. The French midfielder’s shot was deflected but fortunately for him, still found the back of the net. The dagger goal was scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 48th minute and despite Ajax holding the lions-share of possession (65%) and recording 17 shots to United’s 7, keeper Sergio Romero managed to keep a clean sheet (although this was probably assisted by the fact that Ajax only had 3 shots on target of those 17). By clinching a Champions League berth, Mourinho ensures this season is viewed as a success as he continues to tinker with the roster he inherited from Louis Van Gaal, and most importantly that there are a few more cheery people in Manchester tonight during this dark moment.
