Pranav Nair
Player Ratings as Manchester United fall to Villarreal in Europa League final
In the end, the number 26 was not so lucky for Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian had the opportunity to write his name into United folklore, but instead will see the season end on a sour note after promising so much. Instead, it was Unai Emery who lifted his fourth Europa League trophy.
The Spanish manager did well to contain the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Edinson Cavani looked up for it but lacked substantial support from those around him.
Gerard Moreno put ahead at half-time but United levelled through Edinson Cavani before the hour mark. The match had few chances but it can be argued that the best of them fell to United who failed to make it count.
The game eventually went into penalties and then sudden death. David de Gea was the only player to miss from the spot as Villarreal pulled off a shocking win.
The loss ruins what has so far been a season filled with promise and progress. It is now back to the drawing board for Solskjaer who is still seeking his first trophy as United boss.
We now take a look at the player ratings for tonight.
Europa League final: Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea (5/10)
Chosen ahead of Dean Henderson, he had a largely forgettable night for the Spaniard. Gave away the ball cheaply in the leadup to Villarreal’s opener but otherwise had little to do in the 120 minutes.
Failed to stop any of the 11 penalties in the shootout and also went on to miss his. De Gea has now not saved a penalty since 2016.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7/10)
One of United’s better players on the night. Did well all along the flank and was taken off in extra time with penalties coming.
Eric Bailly (6.5/10)
Largely solid and did his job. Better than his partner and gave an account of why he needs to start regularly. Taken off for Axel Tuanzebe in extra time with penalties impending.
Victor Lindelof (5/10)
Mostly did his work but failed to pick up Gerard Moreno for Villarreal’s opener. Not a natural leader and in Harry Maguire’s absence it showed. Scored from the spot in the shootout.
Luke Shaw (6/10)
Defensively contributed to Villarreal’s opener. Put in a few teasing crosses, one of which almost played Edinson Cavani for what could have been the winner. Also scored from the spot, barely.
Scott McTominay (7/10)
Arguably United’s best player on the night. Battled hard on the night and created the corner that led to Cavani’s equalizer. A very good performance by the Scot that will, unfortunately, be consigned to the trash heap due to the result
Paul Pogba (5/10)
A performance that was miles away from his match-winning solo in the 2017 final. Gave the ball away a number of times and failed to create much.
Shunted off to the left-wing in the final few minutes before being taken off ahead of the shootout.
Mason Greenwood (5.5/10)
A promising performance that offered us glimpses of his ability but failed to create anything substantial. Unlucky not to have won a penalty in the second half. Another player taken off before the shootout.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10)
Captain on the night, he was largely contained by the Villarreal midfield. Almost picked up an assist after putting through Marcus Rashford.
A forgettable night for the Portuguese sensation as United once again fell short. Scored from the spot in the shootout as expected.
Marcus Rashford (5/10)
Looked out of sorts and failed to make much happen. Battled hard and put himself on the line but lacked his magic on the ball and squandered too many chances.
Edinson Cavani (7/10)
Looked up for the game and grabbed our equalizer on the night. Tried his best but was offered little from those around him. Would have probably grabbed the winner on the night if not for the impressive Pau Torres.
More Manchester United News
- Jadon Sancho keen to move to Manchester United prior to the Euros
- Villarreal ready to swap Pau Torres for Manchester United star Eric Bailly
- Chelsea could prove an unlikely ally as Manchester United pursue Jadon Sancho
Substitutes
Fred (5/10)
Did precious little apart from offering a new pair of legs. Showcased energy and also scored his penalty.
Daniel James (NA)
Brought on for Rashford late on. Didnt have much to do but scored his penalty with ease.
Alex Telles (NA)
A set piece taking savant, brought on for the penalties. Scored from the spot.
Axel Tuanzebe (NA)
Another player who was brought on with penalties in mind. Did his job.
Juan Mata (NA)
Brought on for the penalty shootout and promptly did his job.
