The gamble had to pay off for Jose Mourinho and it did, or rather it has so far. The Manchester United manager had prioritized the Europa League over a top-four finish in the Premier League, and for someone who has made pragmatism an art form to roll the dice in such an all-or-nothing manner is out of character.
It could not have been closer, though. An unconvincing United drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo in the semifinal second leg at Old Trafford to win through 2-1 on aggregate. United's goal was scored by Marouane Fellaini, ironically brought to the club by David Moyes who was roundly criticized for wasting £30 million on the Belgium international.
Mourinho had called the matchup with Celta "the biggest game in the club's history," and United now faces what is touted as the Louis van Gaal derby against the Dutchman's former club Ajax in the final, which will presumably be "the biggest game in the club's history, part 2."
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