Jose Mourinho has insisted he would rather his side of claimed Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League than finish in the Premier League top-four.
The Red Devils claimed the Europa League trophy on Wednesday night after defeating Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm.
Mourinho switched his side's focus to the competition last month and claimed after a loss to Spurs that his players did not want to play Premier League matches.
In what he has called his "most difficult season as a manager," the Portuguese felt vindicated for his decision following the victory and implied he prefers to win trophies and qualify than finish in the top four without a trophy like Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool.
"We prefer this way than finish fourth, third or second, we finish this way," said the 54-year old.
"We got the objective of getting back to the Champions League, and we get a very important title. A title that closes the lot, an important title in world football.
"We always thought we could win the Europa League and of course we are very happy.