Manchester United round-up: Europa League reaction; Spanish giants want Herrera; Atletico on Griezmann interest

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After an impressive and comfortable 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, Jose Mourinho reacted by recognising the importance of the win for more than just the club as he ended a poignant evening, telling the club website:

“My thoughts are obviously with the victims of the tragedy in Manchester and with the families. The tragedy is in my mind. Maybe this victory will bring some happiness to Manchester, I don’t know. I would obviously, me and everyone else, we would change this trophy for the people that lost their lives, that’s obvious. But if I focus on the football side, I am really proud.”

The trophy wrapped up a treble of sorts, adding to the Community Shield and League Cup title, and ensured that the Red Devils will return to the Champions League after three years away from the competition. That could be huge for the club as they prepare their summer transfer preparations.

However, they could face a real challenge to retain some of their current stars as Catalan newspaper Sport report that rumoured new Barcelona boss, Ernesto Valverde, wants Ander Herrera to be his first major signing at the Camp Nou to add bite and solidity in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard played under Valverde at Athletic Bilbao before moving to United and has since become one of the Premier League’s key players, capping his rise this season with a string of fine and important displays earning silverware for his side.

However, there is no progress on an agreement for forward Antoine Griezmann as Atlético Madrid’s club president Enrique Cerezo told Radio RMC, translated by the Manchester Evening News and Marca:

“There has been no approach from Manchester United and nobody has offered to pay the clause and I don’t think anyone will. The situation is that Antoine Griezmann is an Atletico Madrid player and he has a contract until 2021. Never has he told me that he wants to leave.”

The Frenchman has been linked for months and the Champions League status of the club could prove to be hugely important in persuading him to move to the club, but first Ed Woodward must agree a fee with his club in the Spanish capital.

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