COMMENT: They hate him. The Dutch. They absolutely can't stand Jose Mourinho.
They were all at it last week. Even the normally mild-mannered Edwin van der Sar. Six years a United player, now chief exec at Ajax. Even his ties didn't prevent him from taking aim at the opposition manager. It was a real, genuine pile on. Mourinho's style of football just isn't the Dutch way. Not even the United way. The birthplace of Total Football. The arbitrators of all things good in the game. Mourinho just isn't for them.
And as bad as it was going into the Europa League final, it was even worse after United had comfortably cast Ajax aside. Ajax players, pundits, even coach Peter Bosz couldn't find a way of congratulating their opponents without a dig at the manner of United's win - and Mourinho's influence over it.
But as much as those involved on pitch were left resenting United's triumph, it was more than matched by the moneymen inside the Ajax boardroom.
Y'see, this was their showcase. Stockholm. Against Manchester United. This was Ajax's shop window. But thanks to Mourinho - because we have to blame Mourinho - millions were lost by Ajax overnight.
Ten million quid, maybe even 20 million, has been knocked off the price of Kasper Dolberg after his flop on the night. But, of course that's Mourinho's fault.
Davy Klaassen? Those dreams of a €25 million sale look the stuff of fantasy. An auction was expected. Everton, Southampton, Roma. They're all apparently willing to pay top price. But on Wednesday's performance, Ajax will struggle to get a third of what they were hoping. Again, that Mourinho...
Davinson Sanchez looked raw. Hakim Ziyech outclassed. But both can blame Jose after 90 minutes in Stockholm left their reputations diminished.
Then there's Bosz, who must have thought taking the scalp of United would hand him a golden ticket to the big time. Instead, he left the Friends Arena, like his players, full of spite and resentment - with it all leveled at Mourinho.
To be fair, not everyone connected to Ajax were blaming Mourinho. Their brilliant traveling support, so praised by Daley Blind in the aftermath, made it clear where they felt the responsibility lay on the night (see below).
Now it's difficult for some, particularly those decrying Jose, but supporting football can be subjective. However, there's nothing subjective about the scoresheet. Nor about qualifying for the Champions League.
And while Ajax's accountants are lamenting the falling price of their best assets, United are having to fight off Ernesto Valverde's hopes of making Ander Herrera his first Barcelona signing. For all the fears over Marcus Rashford going into this season, the "kid" has emerged a far better player than when it began. Marouane Fellaini's price, if he is to be sold, hasn't plummeted but improved. And if you want a clear contrast on the night, you only have to consider Matteo Darmian's performance. While millions were being written off Ajax's so-called 'wonderkids', the Italian, apparently with one foot inside Inter Milan, will have seen his price-tag jump after Wednesday's triumph.
And unlike the moaning coming from Amsterdam, for these developments we can actually lay the blame at the feet of Mourinho.
The progress of Rashford. The improvement of Herrera. That happened under Mourinho. Two trophies. Champions League qualification. The manager has met the board's targets. And while some were paying attention to the barbs fired Mourinho's way, United fans last week were not only celebrating a European trophy, they'd also been introduced to the next generation of kids. Josh Harrop, Angel Gomes, Demi Mitchell. Mourinho offered supporters a glimpse into the future last Sunday. A European final and the debut of the next group of whizkids to come off The Cliff - oh sorry, Carrington - that's sounding like your typical Manchester United end of season.
But what of the style? The game's about winning. And you can bet those United fans who traveled to Stockholm would never consider swapping victory for a courageous, entertaining defeat.
But there is the United Way. And Mourinho's responsibility to maintain it. However, he does deserve to be cut some slack. Those two Cups have been won with a squad that he's clearly unhappy with. The Europa League without his biggest on-field influence, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That United still managed to win without the big Swede is credit to Mourinho and his stand-ins.
He appreciates the players. Their character. Their spirit. But Mourinho knows this lot can only take the club so far.
As he said from Monte Carlo on Saturday, Ed Woodward, United's vice-chairman exec, has his shopping list. It's going to be an exciting summer ahead for United fans. And with his expected additions, it will allow Mourinho to step up United's way of playing.
However, for now, United fans will just have to make do with two trophies and Champions League qualification. Gosh, darn that Mourinho...