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Charlie Nicholas predicts Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax

Charlie Nicholas
Image: Charlie Nicholas previews the Europa League final

Charlie Nicholas says the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax will be a tight affair.

Jose Mourinho's side are strong favourites to lift the trophy and book their place in next season's Champions League as they take on a side whose average squad age for the semi-final second leg was just 22.

Here's what the Arsenal and Celtic legend is predicting for the clash...

This Europa League final is a match of great contrasts - and it's difficult for the romantic football fan in me to not want to see Ajax come out on top, given what they represent.

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Ahead of the Europa League final, hit play on the video above to take a look at five things you should know about Ajax

Jose Mourinho is a polarising figure and his approach is a complete opposite to Ajax's philosophy of promoting young players.

He's reluctantly given his youngsters a chance after throwing in the Premier League towel and it would be a surprise to see many of those kids get a chance next season, given his inevitable summer spending.

Their styles of football are also contrasts, with Ajax averaging three goals per game from their last 10 in all competitions, more than double what United have managed in the same period.

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Ajax players celebrate after the 4-1 victory against Lyon
Image: Ajax saw off Lyon 5-4 on aggregate in the semi-finals

A look at their Europa League form tells the same story, with United scoring a solitary goal in six of their last seven ties and eight in total, while Ajax have netted 15.

It's experienced stars versus youth, defence versus attack, 'The Special One' versus a manager in Peter Bosz who is looking to land his first top-tier title.

Mourinho will recall all of his big names on Wednesday night, but much of their hopes will fall on the shoulders of young Marcus Rashford, who has once again flourished when United needed him.

Marcus Rashford scored Manchester United's opener against Chelsea
Image: Marcus Rashford: Key man for United, says Nicholas

This is obviously an incredibly young Ajax side but they will have learned a lot from being edged out of the Eredivisie title race on the final day. What impact that will have had on them in the short term remains to be seen.

If it becomes a wide open game, then Ajax have the goals in them to make it competitive and Mourinho knows that, so expect him to keep it tight and exploit the youngsters when they over-commit by using Rashford's pace.

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Watch some of Kasper Dolberg's best goals for Ajax in the Eredivisie

Ajax's discipline is also key. They're not as strong physically as United and could come undone if they try to match them in that department, having picked up two red cards in their last three Europa League games.

What we do know is Mourinho has often got the best out of his side on the big occasions this season, but that has certainly not been accompanied by exciting football.

Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Rashford to score first - 18/1 with Sky Bet

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