Manchester United has a chance to lay their hands on silverware this week in the highly anticipated Europa League finals against Villarreal. The match schedules for Wednesday at Stadion Energa Gdansk, with kickoff at 10 pm.
The Yellow Submarines send final favorites Arsenal packing following a 2-1 aggregate win in the final four to make the final showpiece event. On the other hand, Manchester United won by an 8-5 aggregate against rivals Roma.
Villarreal ended their La Liga campaign on a disappointing note following a 2-1 comeback from runners-up Real Madrid. In contrast, Manchester United rested their first squad but secured a 2-1 win over Wolves.
Unai Emery got to avenge his uneventful sacking at Emirates Stadium with a 2-1 win over Arsenal. The Europa League master outclassed novice Mikel Arteta to make it to the finals. Furthermore, Unai Emery holds the highest number of finals in the Europa than any other manager in the competition.
Moreover, Emery holds three wins in the Europa League finals with back-to-back wins with Sevilla. However, he lost the last final at Baku against Chelsea that lead to his sacking.
In contrast, Ole Gunnar is searching for his first piece of silverware since taking charge at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho’s side broke Emery’s streak of three successive Europa League wins in the 2016-2017 season.
Villarreal vs Manchester United Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with all games ending in a draw on all occasions. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
- Villarreal 4-0 Sevilla
- Real Valladolid 0-2 Villarreal
- Villarreal 2-4 Celta Vigo
- Arsenal 0-0 Villarreal
Away
- Wolves 1-2 Man United
- Man United 1-1 Fulham
- Man United 2-4 Liverpool
- United 1-2 Leicester City
- Aston Villa 1-3 Man United
Villarreal Team News
A major doubt for the finals is winger Samuel Chukwueze who missed the final matchday against Real Madrid. In addition, Tottenham loanee Juan Foyth is facing a race against time to recover from a hamstring problem. Moreover, it leaves Mario Gaspar to operate the left flank.
Manchester United Team News
The only injury concern for Ole Gunnar is Harry Maguire, who continues to battle an ankle injury. Therefore, we expect a defensive pairing of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof. Fullbacks should be open for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. Unfortunately, Fred picked up a minor knock, thus leaving Scott McTominay to operate the engine room.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage Ole Gunnar earning his first piece of silverware, but a rude shock win from Emery remains plausible.
- Double Chance: Manchester United
- Goals Under 3.5
- Both Teams to Score