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Mata seeks 'double bonus' of silverware and Champions League place

A Europa League final with Ajax offers Manchester United and their Spanish midfielder the chance to re-join the Champions League

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is excited by the prospect of securing a "double bonus" against Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday – a piece of silverware and a direct route back into the glamour of the Champions League.

The Dutch giants stand in the way of Jose Mourinho's men and a place in club football's elite competition, with the winners of the Europa League final guaranteed a spot in next season's Champions League.

United fell short of qualifying via a top-four Premier League finish – a 69-point haul leaving them sixth – meaning the Ajax clash assumes extra significance, a fact not lost on Mata.