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Why we must grudgingly accept Mourinho was right

Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic

Jose Mourinho gets results.

You could argue Ajax didn't live up to its billing of spry, Johan Cruyff-revival football in Wednesday's Europa League final. With the exception of a couple of saving tackles, Davinson Sanchez was frustrating: trotting forward under no pressure whatsoever, only to squander possession with a heavy or wayward pass. Kasper Dolberg and Amin Younes were given the cold shoulder by Manchester United's disciplined defence.

Ultimately, the record books won't hark back to the coming-of-age journey for the Amsterdammers; Davy Klaasen's exploits against Schalke rendered every reason why he'll likely earn a big move this summer, and Bertrand Traore's man-of-the-match outing in the semi-final first-leg swamping of Lyon should be enough for a chance at parent club Chelsea next season. This was a wonderful blend of youngsters honed in places as varied as sleepy Dutch canal towns and the frantic Colombian city of Medellin - but an enthralling story shut with a hollow thud.

Instead, Mourinho has won the 12th of the 14 major finals he's overseen, and can legitimately call his debut campaign in charge of United an unmitigated success. People are likelier to refer to the honours section on the Portuguese's Wikipedia page, rather than recall the nuances of Ajax's run.

Or, indeed, Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League title challenge.

Related - Vindication: Manchester United saves season with Europa League title

The criticism of Mourinho's team selection in domestic play was a little harsh. He was premature when he threw the towel in at Spurs on May 14 (by starting 10 full internationals, no less) with the top four still within reach, but he was within his rights to manoeuvre his squad how he wanted. Now he's exonerated by capturing the only title that's eluded United in its rich history.

"We prefer this way rather than finishing second, third, or fourth. We are in the Champions League and we won a title," Mourinho told BBC Sport's Phil McNulty after the match.

The football has, at times, been lacklustre. Marouane Fellaini won 15 aerial duels compared to Ajax's collective 12 in midweek, but that doesn't just point to the wanting physicality of Peter Bosz's side and the brilliance of the Belgian on the night. There's a lot of percentage play by Mourinho's men; hoofing the ball "in the mixer," as weighty Sunday League players would say. In 2016-17, United completed more long balls than Burnley.

But Mourinho deserves plenty of credit. He took over a club that had been trundling along since Sir Alex Ferguson left an ageing squad with the hugely-underqualified David Moyes in 2013. Louis van Gaal wrung out what he could - last season's FA Cup triumph - but United was masking a flailing academy setup, poor administration behind the scenes, and a derisory medical department.

Related - Report: Mourinho looking to shake up all aspects of United's affairs

In a change of approach from the rest of his managerial days, this is a long-term and holistic project for Mourinho. The fact he's already guided United to two major trophies in his first season - the Europa League and League Cup - is bordering on remarkable. Paul Pogba may have headlined last summer's huge spend, but beyond that, Mourinho has drawn the best out of the snappy Ander Herrera and Fellaini. Arguably a tougher job was the gradual ushering of Wayne Rooney from Old Trafford over the course of the season. The Stockholm cameo will likely be the 31-year-old's last showing for United.

Even the most vocal of his ever-growing legion of detractors can't deny Mourinho is a winner. One of the greatest winners, in fact. And, unless Chelsea hoists the FA Cup on Saturday, he has the most impressive trophy haul in England.

The more enjoyable runs of Tottenham in the Premier League and Ajax in Europe are, over time, quashed by what Mourinho's achieved - and he'll be the first to tell you so.

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