City pulls together following dark days off the field

Date published: 25 May 2017


MANCHESTER United pulled together in their city's time of darkness, showing no little skill and spirit to overcome Ajax and win the Europa League.

Less than 48 hours after a terror attack killed 22 people and injured many more at Manchester Arena, the club's fans, players and staff stood unbowed in Stockholm.

Football seems trivial at a time of such pain but United embraced the spirit shown in spades by the city they represent, with Jose Mourinho's men winning the Europa League in style.

TWEET OF THE MATCH


Manchester City (@ManCity) offer support to their great rivals with #ACityUnited graphic on the final whistle. (https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/867480049720676353)

STAR MAN


Paul Pogba: The world's most expensive player has struggled to live up to his lofty price tag this term, but he impressed, particularly in the first half, at the Friends Arena. Strong defensively and a powerful presence in midfield, Pogba took the match by the scruff of the neck early on and was rewarded with a goal, albeit deflected, after 18 minutes.

IN WITH THE FANS


Less than 48 hours after the horrific attack that rocked Manchester, fans rallied behind their team and the city as a whole. Manchester United supporters were superb throughout and chanted the city's name with more gusto than ever. A few mindless idiots shouted during the minute's silence, but applause soon took over as a tribute was paid to those impacted by Monday's bombing.

STAT OF THE MATCH


Europa League glory means United join Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus as the only clubs to have won all three major UEFA trophies, including the now-defunct European Cup Winners' Cup, as well as the Club World Cup or the Intercontinental Cup.