Player Ratings: Villarreal 1-1 Manchester United (11-10)
Villarreal 1-1 Manchester United (penalties 11-10) | Europa League final
Manchester United fall at the final hurdle, losing on penalties to Villarreal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ensured a familiar sight coming from behind after a goal conceded. However, it wasn’t enough as the Reds were still unable to grasp any real control of the game into extra time. Penalties followed and after some brilliantly taken goals from the spot, sudden death led to the goalkeepers being called upon.
Geronimo Rulli was the hero on the night as he converted his penalty in an emphatic fashion before saving David de Gea’s tame effort.
David de Gea: 4
De Gea having very little to do until the penalty shootout tells the story of the game. However, when called upon during the shootout, his performance was embarrassing. None of the penalties he faced were saved, and the penalty he took was awful. Whether the game was the Spaniard’s last in a red shirt remains to be seen but he will not look back on this night with any fondness.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6
A solid showing while not doing anything spectacular. The right-back typically chipped in with some important tackles. He was also substituted prior to the shootout in favour of some savvier set-piece takers.
Eric Bailly: 5
Bailly’s performance was one that was rash and erratic. He gave away a number of fouls and overall didn’t do anything with any great conviction.
Embed from Getty ImagesVictor Lindelof: 3
There is definitely an argument to be had that Victor Lindelof was to blame for United’s loss. Villarreal offered very little offensively but the chance they did have was handed to them on a plate through some shoddy Lindelof defending.
Luke Shaw: 6
The occasion seemed to get the better of him. He showed signs of getting forward but he didn’t seem to have the drive and concentration that’s made him one of United’s outstanding players this season.
Midfield
Embed from Getty ImagesScott McTominay: 8
Man of the match. Where United needed composure, drive and a willingness to get forward, McTominay provided all of that. His drives forward on the ball had shades of a prime Patrick Viera. His individuality led to the goal also by him winning the corner out of nothing.
Paul Pogba: 6
The Frenchman showed glimpses early on of trying to grab the game by the scruff of its neck but ultimately faded out of the game quickly.
Bruno Fernandes: 6
You would’ve hoped for a more consistent influence over the course of the game as he too found himself on the fringes of the game.
Attack
Marcus Rashford: 3
Perhaps the most disappointing Marcus Rashford performance since he broke through. He was awful. Nothing worked for him in terms of his dribbling and finishing. He also displayed a lack of interest with his halfhearted tracking back.
Embed from Getty ImagesMason Greenwood: 7
Greenwood was a bright spark that was unlucky to be substituted when he was. He was sharp and looked a threat constantly. His interplay and link-up was clean also.
Edinson Cavani: 7
The Uruguayan was starved of any real service so his game was categorised as one that was filled with highlights of him tracking back and defending his own box. His goal was a typical poachers one.
Substitutes
Axel Tuanzebe: 7
Daniel James: 7
Alex Telles: 7
Juan Mata: 7
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