Europa Final: United hope to hit 'Holm' run against Ajax

The Friends Arena in Stockholm will host the 2017 Europa League final on May 24, with 20-time English champions Manchester United taking on Dutch giants Ajax in what promises to be a fascinating clash in Sweden.

It would be fair to say that the Europa League was an inconvenience for Man United and head coach Jose Mourinho earlier this season, but the competition has become imperative as the club look to return to the Champions League.

The Red Devils ultimately finished seven points shy of the top four in the Premier League this season, with a total of 69 points only good enough for sixth position. The Community Shield and League Cup have been added to the trophy cabinet, but this is comfortably Man United's biggest game of the season.

While the chance to secure a European trophy is always important, it is the offer of Champions League football that has drawn the most attention. It is almost a playoff fixture for Man United – win and a return to the European elite will arrive.

Mourinho's first season at Man United has not been without its bumps and bruises, but the team's form in the Europa League has been strong. Indeed, they are unbeaten in 10 European fixtures – winning seven times in the process – since losing 2-1 at Fenerbahce in the group stages of the competition.

Man United have actually only won six of their previous 11 European finals, and have lost their last three. This is the only European trophy that the 20-time English champions are yet to win, and they will be looking to join Ajax, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus in completing a full set of major UEFA club trophies.

Mourinho also has plenty of experience taking on Ajax, and the Portuguese has won all six of his previous meetings with the Dutch giants, boasting an aggregate score of 20-2.

The former Chelsea boss has also previously tasted success in this competition having steered Porto to the crown in 2003. After progressing through the group stages, Man United overcame Saint-Etienne and Rostov to set up a quarter-final with Anderlecht.

The English giants needed extra-time to overcome the Belgian club, but Marcus Rashford struck the winner to secure a 3-2 aggregate success. When Man United won 1-0 at Celta Vigo in the first leg of their semi-final, the Red Devils seemingly had one foot in the final. They made hard work of the return, however, with Celta levelling at 1-1 late on to set up a grandstand finish at Old Trafford.

As it transpired, a 1-1 draw in the second leg was enough to progress on aggregate, but Man United's form has suffered in recent weeks. Indeed, their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend was their first victory in the Premier League for almost one month.

On the other hand, Ajax have, without question, brought the entertainment factor to the Europa League this season. They have had more attempts on goal (225) and more attempts on target (95) than any other team in this season's competition, out-scoring Man United 24-23 en route to the showpiece final.