Betting: Ajax can ruin Mou's first Man Utd season

The success or otherwise of Jose Mourinho's first season at Manchester United looks set to be defined by the Europa League final against Ajax.

While the Europa League trophy would be Mourinho's second piece of silverware for the season at Old Trafford after United won the League Cup, the Portuguese manager is close to being labelled a flop.

Having broken the transfer record in bringing Paul Pogba back to Manchester from Juventus, and spent significant money - both in fees and salaries - to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly, United were expected to challenge for the Premier League title in 2016-17.

Instead, the Red Devils' draw with Southampton on Wednesday means they will register their fewest wins in a season in the Premier League era.

Winning the Europa League would not only secure United another trophy but also - crucially - a spot in next season's Champions League.

United could enter the Europa League decider in Stockholm on May 24 on the back of a five-game winless run in England if they fail to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Despite that run of form, Mourinho's men are the clear favourites to win Europe's second-tier club competition, with bet365 rating them at $1.95 .

Ajax, who won 14 of 17 games in 2017 to push Feyenoord all the way in the Eredivisie, are considered a $4.00 option.

The draw after 90 minutes is worth $3.50 .

Peter Bosz's side qualified for the Europa League final with a 5-4 aggregate semi-final win over Lyon.

Ajax did lose the second leg in France, however, meaning they haven't won outside the Netherlands in six attempts.

United eliminated Celta Vigo 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, and are unbeaten in 10 games in the continental competition.

Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg is the leading marksman in the Europa League from the two finalists with six goals in 12 games, and the 19-year-old is rated a $7.00 option as first goal-scorer.

United's Marcus Rashford ( $5.50 ) is the favourite, while Anthony Martial and Mkhitaryan (both $6.50 ) are just behind.

Mkhitaryan is the Red Devils' equal leading scorer in the Europa League with five goals, level with the injured Ibrahimovic.

*Prices subject to change