STEVE DOUGLAS, AP Sports Writer
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Manchester United gave its grieving home city a moment to cheer by winning the Europa League on Wednesday, beating Ajax 2-0 in the final thanks to goals by Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Pogba pointed to the sky as he was mobbed by teammates after his 18th-minute opening goal. The game was played two days after 22 people were killed in a bomb attack at a concert in Manchester and 12 days after the death of Pogba’s father, Fassou Antoine.
Mkhitaryan scored the second goal in the 48th minute, hooking the ball in from close range from a corner.
The win earned United the bonus prize of a place in next season’s Champions League and meant coach Jose Mourinho finished his first season at England’s biggest club with two trophies.
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No victory parade for Chelsea
Premier League champion Chelsea has called off its victory parade because of the concert attack in Manchester.
Chelsea says it would be inappropriate to hold a parade in London this weekend following Monday’s bombing at a concert in Manchester and adds “we are sure our fans will understand this decision.”
The club says “given the heightened security threat announced by the government, and recognizing that this is a developing situation, we have given this careful consideration.”
Chelsea also says it does not want to divert emergency services.
English soccer champions traditionally celebrate by driving through the city streets on an open top bus, with players holding trophies and waving to fans.
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