Jose Mourinho states his prediction for Man United v Ajax

Jose Mourinho believes that Ajax will have a significant advantage over Manchester United heading into the Europa League final.

The Red Devils are preparing to take on the Dutch side in Stockholm on 24 May as Mourinho looks to steer his side to the title and into next season’s Champions League.

Ajax have 12 days off to prepare for the crunch clash in Sweden, while Manchester United must complete their Premier League fixtures before the end of the top flight season next weekend.

And Mourinho believes that will hand the Dutch side a significant advantage heading into next week’s crunch clash.

Asked for his take on the final, Mourinho told BT Sport: “First of all two monsters – the history of Manchester United and the history of Ajax is amazing. But for us [if we win] it’s a trophy and the Champions League for next season. Finals are always fun, and the Europa League is a big, beautiful competition.

“A final is a final and I played Ajax with Real Madrid all the six matches. It will be difficult. They are a young team, strong team and they finished their league this weekend.

“They will have 12 days to prepare for the final and we will have three matches in the Premier League to play with a group of 15-16 players after a crazy season with so many matches.

“We have played so many matches because we progressed to two finals and the last 16 in the FA Cup.

“I have to say thank you to [referee] Michael Oliver for that red card to Ander Herrera because we couldn’t survive going further in the FA Cup. So let’s try to prepare the team as best we can.”

Manchester United must first take on Southampton and Crystal Palace in their final two Premier League games before turning their attentions to next week’s final.

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The Red Devils have already won the EFL Cup this season following Mourinho’s appointment at Old Trafford last summer in the wake of Louis van Gaal’s sacking.