Mata Dedicates Final Win To Manchester

Juan Mata has dedicated the club's UEFA Europa League final victory over AFC Ajax to all those affected by the tragic events at the Manchester Arena on Monday.

Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed a 2-0 triumph for the Reds at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, where United lifted the trophy for the very first time.

Mata, who started and was replaced by club captain Wayne Rooney in second-half stoppage time, told BT Sport: “We wanted to win this as well for the city of Manchester and we bring the trophy back.

“I’m so happy today, especially after what happened. We know it was a very difficult week for the city of Manchester and we are happy to win for all of the people that have suffered.”

The attacking midfielder also reflected on the further significance of the win, with the Reds clinching a return to Champions League football in 2017/18.

“It’s massive for us," said Juan. "We had the option of coming here to win the trophy for the first time and be in the Champions League next season. We’ve done that and I’m so happy.

“It means a lot [to be back in the Champions League] for me personally. It was a great final in front of our supporters here. It’s my first European trophy with United and hopefully the first of many.”