After all the posts I read on RC about the upcoming final, I think many of you guys really underestimate Ajax.
They will start furious with a lot of energy and high pression on the ball, something Man Utd isn't used to defend.
They also have a lot of quality in the back, a great keeper and some fantastic talented attackers whom are mostly inform.
For all of you who are interested; Ajax played their last league game yesterday with a 1-3 away victory with a B-Team.
They now have 10 days to reload their batteries before the final kick-off.
Probably the line-up for Ajax against Utd in the final;
Goal:
GK - Onana (very talented young bloke bought from Barca B 2 years ago, his first year as first team keeper after Cilissen went to Barca does absolutely great with a lot of great reflexes and strong footwork. Can also build up under pressure pretty good.)
Defence:
RB - Veltman (Most of Ajax supporters prefer Tete, but headcoach somehow still prefers Veltman who takes lots of stupid yellows and reds, already booked 3 reds in UL this season and all of those were pretty stupid.. If he wasn't subbed during 2nd half in Lyon, he also booked his 4th red. Probably one of the weakest players from the starting 11 that will have a very, very though game against a skilled player like Martial)
CB - Sanchez (Bought from Atleticó Nacional for 5M € this season he is absolutely beast. Great defence and power, but also very dangerous with headers and shots during free kicks and corners. One of the best this season.)
CB - De Ligt (Only 17 years old he plays with loads of confidence this season and proven he can defend the best strikers around. Sometimes a bit too much enthousiasm that results in ball loss or fauls like the penalty against Lyon, but a great defender who will have a great battle against Rashford).
LB - Riedewald (Played only a few games as starter this year and actually started as the new number '6' this season he went from starter to bench pretty fast. However, he played very good against Schalke and Lyon after injuries of Sinkgraven and a red for Viergever)
Midfield:
CDM - Schöne (The 'Veteran' of the Ajax line-up who played great in Eredivisie but against stronger (European) opponents had very difficult games. Pretty slow, most of the matches subbed during second half. But also great passing and shooting, will knock in a free kick from 30 meters or less to goal (Look up the free kick against Feyenoord in the 1st minute this season, great knuckleball).
CM - Klaassen (Captain and by far the most passionate player Ajax had the last decade. Great energy and working spirit, he is essential for the high pressure play of Ajax. Also great scoring abilities, if he has a good day against the Man Utd midfield it will be interesting to see. Will probably leave Ajax after the final for a club like Napoli)
CM - Ziyech (Creative midfielder who gave a lot of assists this season in both Eredivisie and UL. Tries to shoot in almost every angle around the goal but also misses a lot of those. Also very important in Bosz' plans of high pressure and attacking play Ajax plays this season. If he has a good day Ziyech will also be from the same level Man Utd is.)
Attack:
RW - Traoré (From Chelsea on loan this season, his start was not very impressive. Later on the season he managed to fill in the striker position very good for a few games when Dolberg was injured. Still has a lot of potentional, great technique and speed but also a lot of slack if he isn't feeling in form.)
ST - Dolberg (Great season so far, both league and UL. Made 16 goals in Eredivise, was injured a month or 2. IMO the most potential to succeed at a top club in a year or 3, 4. Also very calm, looks like he is made of ice and doesn't feel any emotions. Defenitely someone to guard very closely as Utd defence.)
LW - Youness (short skillfull dribbler that reminds a bit of Messi in the short spaces. Always manages to succeed in his dribble but also has a very weak shot and finish. Much threat, low efficiency.)
Subs to watch (that will probably come on in final):
Kluivert - RW/LW (On of the subs who most likely will come on the pitch during end of second half or extension. Fast technicall player with great moves.)
Neres - RW/LW (Same as Kluivert, maybe a bit more efficient)
Tete - RB (Fast and agressive back, great games this season but hasn't played very much.. Interesting to see if he maybe manages to convince the coach to start.. I hope so..)
van de Beek - CM (Great talent that looks a bit like the lesser copy of Klaassen. Will probably start next season if Klaassen will make a transfer)
Overall I think Utd will face a agressive and 100% motivated Ajax that will try to fight for every ball for 90 minutes with all they got. Sometimes probably very annoiing for Utd, but also pretty dangerous in counter and possession of the ball. This Ajax has loads of potential star players that, if they have a good day, will be equal to Utd in this match.
My prediction:
2-1 Ajax.