Villarreal v Man Utd: Gdansk ready for Europa League final
Manchester United could win their first piece of silverware in four years tonight when they face Villarreal in the Europa League final. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s have travelled to Gdansk to play the La Liga outfit.
Winning a European title would mark an impressive campaign for United.
They were confirmed as runners-up to rivals Manchester City in the Premier League with a match to spare. However, the Red Devils limped over the line with injuries and a loss of form affecting results.
The 2-1 final day win against Wolves and a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on May 9 were their only successes in their final six games.
Their run-in included a goalless draw against Leeds United, a 1-1 stalemate with already relegated Fulham, and a 4-2 defeat against a resurgent Liverpool, who finished third after a rampant end to the campaign.
Man Utd players train in Gdansk ahead of the Europa League final (Image: GETTY)
But United now have the chance to end the season positively.
Knocked out of the Champions League group stage following an unfortunate draw that saw them play Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir, United have stormed through the Europa League knockout rounds.
Real Sociedad were swept aside in the last-32, before AC Milan were trumped in the last-16.
Victory over Granada set up a semi-final with Roma and an enthralling two legs ended 8-5 in United’s favour.
A lucrative pot of money awaits the winner in Poland.
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The Old Trafford outfit have already pocketed a combined €5.5million (£4.76m) for their success in the competition so far.
tonight’s victor will travel home with an extra €8.5m (£7.36m) banked. The loser will receive €4.5m (£3.9m).
Solskjaer has challenged his players to ensure they win their first trophy since they won the same competition in 2017.
“We have five wins in Europa and we’ve lost twice to Barcelona. These are big nights for us, it might be the stepping stone for something better to come,” the Norwegian said on Tuesday.
Man Utd boss Solskjaer held a press conference ahead of the Europa League final (Image: GETTY)
“It’s a bright future, this team is a young team, it’s a team we’ve rebuilt over the last few years. Hopefully, this is the start of something more.
“Sir Alex is with us we know the 26th of May is Sir Matt’s birthday, but when players sign to play for Man United, they sign to win trophies.
“They accept the challenge of being the best, because this is the best club in the world so that’s the pleasure of the pressure of Man United.”
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has scored five goals in the competition this season, revealed that he joined the club in January 2020 to experience winning silverware.