Paul Pogba opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a deflected shot and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added a second immediately after half-time as United ran out efficient, if not overwhelming, winners in the Stockholm showpiece.

Bosz, who put out the youngest ever side in a European final, led Ajax to the decider with swashbuckling displays of attacking football throughout the competition.

He told RTL7 after the match: "We were not good enough, in every area. We were unable to play our own game. They were more experienced and physically stronger.

"You know it is going to be difficult after conceding such an unlucky goal. We were unlucky to concede that early goal, because that allowed United to sit even deeper. And it got very difficult after their second goal.

"They had everyone behind the ball and it was hard to create something. Neither team created any chances. It was not like United totally outplayed us and created chance after chance. We did not have to lose to this United.

"We are very disappointed. We all wanted to win. But we can leave with our heads held high. We have done well this Europa League campaign and brought joy to the fans. We have learned a lot from this experience.

"We have a lot of big talents and we hope to be able to hold on to them."

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Bosz said he didn't recognise his team in their performance against United and called the game "boring" after his side went down early to Pogba's goal.

"I didn't see the Ajax team I'm used to, pressing and competing for first balls. We only got second balls," he said.

"I thought the game was boring. We went behind to a deflected shot and then it was very difficult against such a side.

"We didn't have many chances. We weren't good enough.

"I think there's a big difference in how the teams play - it's not about strength but how you use your bodies.

"Often, to win finals you must first lose them.

"It's all new for all my team. They will learn a lot from it and if we keep the squad together they will be stronger for it.''