Ajax - Man Utd | EL Final Build-up Thread

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Mourinho celebrated and was so emotional at the end of the semi-final, that I am sure he is CERTAIN we can easily beat Ajax.

Their style of football plays perfectly into Mourinho's hands...he loves soaking up pressure and hitting sides where it hurts. Ajax leave a lot of space in behind. This is Jose's dream scenario. Ajax are a very good side, but they are the perfect side for United to play against. We'd suffer against a worse side with a different approach.

Mourinho knew when we beat Celta that we would be lifting the Europa trophy. We'll pick em of easily.

Wish I was that confident. But agree in general with you. Perfect for Jose.

Their age as well should be a big plus for us. A European final for lads just 17 to 21 with no real experience is a tough ask from their point of view.

Compared to players like Valencia, Pogba, Carrick, Romero (played a World Cup final)
 
Thats not Wasmaname Onana is it?

Haha, actually it is! Fun fact; when Onana comes on the pitch for his warming-up they always start the Rihanna song at volume max and the whole stadium sings.. ''O-NA-NA, What's my name? O-NA-NA!''

Actually a great character at just 21 years old, always very passionate and happy when they win or when he makes a good save. Seems like a great guy for party's ;)
 
Mourinho celebrated and was so emotional at the end of the semi-final, that I am sure he is CERTAIN we can easily beat Ajax.

Their style of football plays perfectly into Mourinho's hands...he loves soaking up pressure and hitting sides where it hurts. Ajax leave a lot of space in behind. This is Jose's dream scenario. Ajax are a very good side, but they are the perfect side for United to play against. We'd suffer against a worse side with a different approach.

Mourinho knew when we beat Celta that we would be lifting the Europa trophy. We'll pick em of easily.

We wont easily beat them but if there is one "one off" big game manager you want on your side then its Jose.
 
That's exactly how I see it as well. We need trophies and top 4 is not one.
It's qualifying to the C.L which more important to us atm I reckon, as long as we are 6th then winning this cup is a must now, but imagine all the pressure the players and the manager will have because of it, I'm afraid it will affect us badly.
 
Mourinho:

"It’s difficult but we know what we are doing and I don’t know other clubs, I don’t know the way they think, I don’t know what is important for them,” he said after the Spurs defeat.

“We, Manchester United, for us it is more important to win titles than to finish top four.

“So if we can win a third title, or like you like to say a second title, if we can do that it would be magnificent for us because we know that it’s a big objective.

“We know that if we lose the final we don’t play Champions League. We know that.

“But we fight for titles and probably other clubs finishing in the top four, probably they would like to be in our position to try and fight for the title.”

(Source: F365)


I am a fan of Mourinho but man does he talk some BS sometimes. He basically taked about the importance of finishin top 4 and how it's a goal throughout the beginning of the season and now this? Anyway I do agree with him.
 
Well, if we're going to cite growing up, then it was several letters out. So maybe you should get back to school.

Would it help to read names right?
One. Swap the extra e for an a and I have all the correct letters in a slightly muddled order. So that's good enough for me. No thoughts on my actual post I assume?
 
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.

Interesting insight although I would argue that you, and others, underestimate United and Mourinho.

If Pogba and Rashford are on their game there's no one in that Ajax line up who will get near them. That's a fact.

I see goals in this one though, especially with United missing their best centre halves.
 
Anyone who had seen them play on a regular basis... what kind of team are they like actually? What kind of playing style are they used to? How many international players have they got in their team? Who is their main striker/player? If you could pick a similar team in the premier league, who would it be?
 
If UEFA is indeed corrupt, they will give us a helping hand to win the final. United in the CL will dives up TV viewerships and attendances rather than letting Ajax win. Win-win situation for both parties. :D
 
As always, people underestimate our own players. If Jose gets his tactics right, we should win this. We quite simply have much better players throughout the squad. My only worry is that we sit back too much and neutralize our own attacking players like against Celta.
 
Your argument might make some sense if price tags of players decided cup finals alone - they don't. I'm not sure what you're thinking to say United could play inexperienced academy players who have never even played for the first team against an Ajax team that has had all season together. It's just plain wrong and totally skewed.
It's bit late now, but the point is that such a big club should be too proud to moan about such a very minor disadvantage and a few injuries that really aren't out of the ordinary. You should demand to be favorite, feel obligated it to win it just because of the huge difference in size and spending. Not focus on these futile details. I think it's justified to worry about Ajax, but not because Ajax has a longer rest and you have a couple of injuries.


Interesting insight although I would argue that you, and others, underestimate United and Mourinho.

If Pogba and Rashford are on their game there's no one in that Ajax line up who will get near them. That's a fact.
Mourinho managed to make it to 6th with Zlatan playing the vaste majority of the games, any midtable team could have done that. Mourinho also managed to nearly get beaten by Anderlecht. Anderlecht is not really a name that impresses anyone in Amsterdam. 'Belgian club? That's an easy draw.' I think you overestimate Mourinho. That's why you're still talking about individual players like they will decide it, but this match is going to be decided by how well Ajax plays, we know for sure that United isn't going to play well because they're not capable of playing well like Ajax. If Ajax plays well Pogba won't be on his game, his awareness is way too limited to keep up with Ajax' midfield. The lady who does the laundry at Ajax has more understanding of the positional game than Pogba. If Ajax plays really bad he can do something with his power, skills and technique, but otherwise he'll just be an extremely expensive passenger. You can't boss a game you don't understand.
 
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It's bit late now, but the point is that such a big club should be too proud to moan about such a very minor disadvantage and a few injuries that really aren't out of the ordinary. You should demand to be favorite, feel obligated it to win it just because of the huge difference in size and spending. Not focus on these futile details. I think it's justified to worry about Ajax, but not because Ajax has a longer rest and you have a couple of injuries.



Mourinho managed to make it to 6th with Zlatan playing the vaste majority of the games, any midtable team could have done that. Mourinho also managed to nearly get beaten by Anderlecht. Anderlecht is not really a name that impresses anyone in Amsterdam. 'Belgian club? That's an easy draw.' I think you overestimate Mourinho. That's why you're still talking about individual players like they will decide it, but this match is going to be decided by how well Ajax plays, we no for sure that United isn't going to play well because they're not capable of playing well like Ajax. If Ajax plays well Pogba won't be on his game, his awareness is way too limited to keep up with Ajax' midfield. The lady who does the laundry at Ajax has more understanding of the positional game than Pogba. If Ajax plays really bad he can do something with his power, skills and technique, but otherwise he'll just be an extremely expensive passenger. You can't boss a game you don't understand.

:lol:

I was testing the water but now I'm certain. You're a compete WUM. No one can be that blinkered and display such a lack of footballing knowledge.
 
Lets see what tactical surprise does mou comes up with. I think he might go 3-5-2. or maybe use the chelsea formation. There will be something in store for ajax i am very sure, He always does something different. I think with defense looking bleak he might go 3 at the back.
 
if Mourinho manages to get Martial, Rashford, Mhiki and Pogba to perform in this we will do them

I am confident he will get the defence ready - Just hope that Smalling and Jones can develop some form in the last 2 games

think he will play

---------------------------Romero------------------------------
Valencia-----Smalling------Blind---------Darmiam
-------------------------Herrera---Pogba------------------
Mhiki---------------------Fellaini------------------Martial
-----------------------------Rashford--------------------------
 
I've been thinking about Mourinho's comments about the importance of this match. Now I was and still am under the impression that he was talking about the most important since his time here. However, if you put this final into a wider context, it does stand up to the others. Most important is pushing it too far, but it's definitely one of the most important. The most important is probably the FA cup that many say saved Fergie's career. We just didn't know it at the time.

Now make no mistake, losing this game is not the end of the world (The world that happens to be round by the way), but it will be detrimental to our future aspirations in both the short and long term. In other words, it could set us back, unless we really act accordingly and pull out all the stops. At the moment, we've been able to suggest the club is in a bit of a blip. Moyes came, flopped and was promptly replaced by LVG. Then LVG's late surge got us 4th and we all thought it was time to kick on for the title. But following a horrendous window we messed it up and actually regressed, thus losing CL football again. So now we have Mourinho, an upgrade on LVG for most. We have a world class manager who's come in and spent big money on world class players. So if Mourinho gets it wrong? It will affect our status as a club, but also change how attractive we are to potential players. I don't think Griezmann for instance will come if we don't have CL footy. Whilst our rivals get stronger we will have a harder time (though we could still do it) attracting the players we need to compete next season. Get this game right, and it gives Jose a huge, huge platform to construct his team on for next season and that could leave us beneficiaries for the next few years.

That's why we need to win this match, and Jose knows it. The main reason why this match is so important IMHO is for this: In the past we've won honours to prove that we're better than the competition. However this time we need to win this match to keep up with the competition.
 
:lol:

I was testing the water but now I'm certain. You're a compete WUM. No one can be that blinkered and display such a lack of footballing knowledge.

Just wondering: do you consider the people here who claim United will win easily to be a WUM?

I might have missed some United matches and forum action, but (please correct me if I am wrong) United are not exactly making sure that fans can unsqueeze their butts this season, arent they?
I read that Mourinho showed a bit emotion after the semi final, so I understand from some fans here that now he has an unfailable masterplan to easily win the Europa League final. Is that WUMming as well, cause it's a bit weird to me that a manager who has not really shown much this year and who is such a topmanager, a real Caf favorite, only can make a masterplan to easily win a game for the last game of the season.

Is it too much to ask of people here to think objective about this match:
If United play to their skill and ability, they will most likely win. But they havent done that for a while.
If Ajax play to their ability, they can put up a good fight and might even win it.
It will only end in an easy win if Ajax get an early red card or are too nervous to play well.
 
I wanna see Juan start this one.

Mkhitaryan ---- Mata ----- Martial

----------------Rashford ------------
 
I went to an Ajax game when in Amsterdam in February. Thought Schöne and Kluivert, when he came on, were their two best players on the day. Opposition wasn't great and it was a pretty poor game. Nothing I saw that day would have me worried, but watching United the past three or four weeks would!
 
Lets see what tactical surprise does mou comes up with. I think he might go 3-5-2. or maybe use the chelsea formation. There will be something in store for ajax i am very sure, He always does something different. I think with defense looking bleak he might go 3 at the back.
I don't see it, it's either the more cautious 4-3-3 or a more attacking 4-2-3-1. But I'm almost certain it will be 4-3-3. We're superior to them, so why change? True he did it against Rostov, but it was the only time.
 
I wanna see Juan start this one.

Mkhitaryan ---- Mata ----- Martial

----------------Rashford ------------
If Mata started, it would most probably be on the right. A while ago before he got injured he was playing there with Mkhitaryan as #10.
 
:lol:

I was testing the water but now I'm certain. You're a compete WUM. No one can be that blinkered and display such a lack of footballing knowledge.
I definetely know Ajax much better than you, and therefore I know there's a lot more to good football than signing the most expensive players. If you're getting wound up by exposure to knowledge beyond your reach, I can't help that.
 
What people think to Jose's assertion that this is the biggest game in Uniteds history ?

Can't sit well with the die hards that one ?
 
Lady Luck showed us her thumb up in our last EL game against Celta at OT. I hope she is not going show us her other finger in Stockholm. On a positive side, Paul owes us at least one Pogboom this season, so here is hoping that no crossbars and goal-posts block his way this time.
 
What people think to Jose's assertion that this is the biggest game in Uniteds history ?

Can't sit well with the die hards that one ?
He said that about Celta de Vigo at home, mind you, to express United's will to win the game as much as Celta's, since he was commenting their managers phrase. But he might say it for the final. It just means “the biggest game in United's history… now”.
 
our account at Manutd.com website is showing that we have come through on the ballot. Been jumping around today. £60 seats section category 3. Must meet up with some of you feckers over there.
 
We should not be losing this. We may not be on the level of previous United teams for European finals but we still have much more experience and quality than them. We do have more pressure though I feel. They have a bunch of kids who might play with freedom and turn us over. Then again, it's their first European final in 21 years and they might struggle with the occasion.

I have faith in us to win but I'm not sure without Zlatan. Without him in the EFL cup final we would 100% have lost. Southampton are surely not as a good as Ajax too.
 
I have a calm about this game, just a bit nervous that Jose to make the right calls, we are certainly depleted but have enough quality to win, my personal concern is that just one passenger (maybe Lingaard or Rooney) could prove to be significant, it's a game where all 11 need to stand up and be counted, going by what I fear we will probably win 2-0 with Rooney and Lingaard the scorers !
 
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.
Awesome post, gave me a lot of insight, but from what you've described, only Ziyech, Youness and Dolberg sound like they could cause problem, our defence has a really good low concede rate so I definitely see that continuing, I genuinely feel you'll find it difficult and probably somewhat unlucky to not score more than one goal. Good luck though, will be a very entertaining game I'm sure with 2 great clubs with fantastic histories. 2-1 United AET.
 
Haha, actually it is! Fun fact; when Onana comes on the pitch for his warming-up they always start the Rihanna song at volume max and the whole stadium sings.. ''O-NA-NA, What's my name? O-NA-NA!''

Actually a great character at just 21 years old, always very passionate and happy when they win or when he makes a good save. Seems like a great guy for party's ;)

That's hilarious and had to be done!
 
I don't see it, it's either the more cautious 4-3-3 or a more attacking 4-2-3-1. But I'm almost certain it will be 4-3-3. We're superior to them, so why change? True he did it against Rostov, but it was the only time.
I think he will like to throw ajax off their game. Just like conte had no answer to his tactics. Peter Bosz is known to play one way and one way only that is his way. He doesnt change his way to his opponents. That is why jose will maybe put a change in. I remember him playing defenders in midfield at real, also inter he used eto on the left. Pretty sure there will be some surprise. I think we might see-
---------Romero---------------
---Jones--Carrick----Blind----
Valencia---------------------Darmian
-------Herrera----Pogba--------------
------------Fellaini--------------------
------Rashford----Lingard------------

The chelsea formation basically with maybe carrick /smalling as the players interchangeable. I would play martial ahead of Lingard(championship level player who scores in finals) but i think jose will go for this. Safety from Ajax attacks and then pace upfront.
 
Haha, actually it is! Fun fact; when Onana comes on the pitch for his warming-up they always start the Rihanna song at volume max and the whole stadium sings.. ''O-NA-NA, What's my name? O-NA-NA!''

Actually a great character at just 21 years old, always very passionate and happy when they win or when he makes a good save. Seems like a great guy for party's ;)
:lol:
 
He said that about Celta de Vigo at home, mind you, to express United's will to win the game as much as Celta's, since he was commenting their managers phrase. But he might say it for the final. It just means “the biggest game in United's history… now”.

I don't really get that, history is history otherwise he woulda said biggest game in years or biggest game of the season would he not ?

Seems a lot of you Reds are very very confident of winning this game
 
Just wondering: do you consider the people here who claim United will win easily to be a WUM?

I might have missed some United matches and forum action, but (please correct me if I am wrong) United are not exactly making sure that fans can unsqueeze their butts this season, arent they?
I read that Mourinho showed a bit emotion after the semi final, so I understand from some fans here that now he has an unfailable masterplan to easily win the Europa League final. Is that WUMming as well, cause it's a bit weird to me that a manager who has not really shown much this year and who is such a topmanager, a real Caf favorite, only can make a masterplan to easily win a game for the last game of the season.

Is it too much to ask of people here to think objective about this match:
If United play to their skill and ability, they will most likely win. But they havent done that for a while.
If Ajax play to their ability, they can put up a good fight and might even win it.
It will only end in an easy win if Ajax get an early red card or are too nervous to play well.

I think comments like 'United always play bad' and 'Ajax's laundry lady has better positional awareness than Paul Pogba' to be either stupid or a WUM.

I opted for WUM as don't think anyone can be that much of an idiot unless you think otherwise?
 
I definetely know Ajax much better than you, and therefore I know there's a lot more to good football than signing the most expensive players. If you're getting wound up by exposure to knowledge beyond your reach, I can't help that.

I'm not getting wound up. I'm laughing at you.
 
I definetely know Ajax much better than you, and therefore I know there's a lot more to good football than signing the most expensive players. If you're getting wound up by exposure to knowledge beyond your reach, I can't help that.

Your winding yourself up :/

How else do you explain that pathetic post? :lol:

Lost the plot like a brat, you don't like people correcting you or putting you straight on your myopic posts.
 
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