How Manchester United could line up against Villarreal | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League
Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League

Defensive midfield: Scott McTominay, Fred Rodrigues

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League
Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League

Given the importance of the game against a stubborn and dogged Villarreal midfield, Solskjaer is almost certain to opt for his trusted pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay.

The Red Devils' most used midfield paring of the campaign is the obvious choice for the pivot as they provide the solidity needed in a game as crucial as this. They might have their flaws when in possession as their shortcomings have been scrutinised in the recent past.

Fred, in particular, was quite poor over the last month or so, and his errors have cost his side a handful of goals, against the likes of AS Roma, Aston Villa, and others. However, the Brazilian and the Scot are still the best-suited players to deal with whatever Villarreal have to throw at them in the middle. They are more mobile than an aging Nemanja Matic and are more resolute at the back than Paul Pogba.


Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League
Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League

There is little doubt that Bruno Fernandes will be the first name on the teamsheet in Gdansk for Manchester United. The Portuguese is their most influential player going forward and, with Maguire likely to be unavailable, Fernandes will captain the side.

The 26-year-old has been very vocal about his desire to lift trophies at Manchester United since his move in 2020, and tomorrow, he will be 90 minutes away from doing so. He will hope to add further to his tally of 45 goals and assists across all competitions in what will be his 58th game of the season.


Attack: Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League

Paul Pogba's best performances of the 2020-21 campaign have come from the left-hand side of the attack and he is likely to reprise his role there. The French superstar's sparkling form in 2021 has taken a bit of a hit over the last few weeks but he will be expected to turn up for his side in their biggest game so far.

Pogba played an instrumental role in their knockout victories against Granada and AS Roma, and scored the winner to fire them past AC Milan as well. The 28-year-old will have a chance to lift his second UEL trophy with Manchester United.

Marcus Rashford is likeliest to line up on the opposite side to Pogba in attack. While the Englishman hasn't played too often on the right side of a front three, he has shown that he can still be effective over the course of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Red Devils' homegrown superstar has come up with some brilliant crosses to serve Edinson Cavani inside the box and has managed to terrify opposition defences from the right. Mason Greenwood has been in sublime form and could possibly stake a claim for a start from the right.

However, Rashford's experience in playing bigger games and his devastating ability to get past his man could be opted for by Solskjaer. Greenwood would still be an incredible option to come off and turn the tides for the Red Devils, much like he did against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Star striker Edinson Cavani will round off the attack and will look to lead Manchester United to their first piece of silverware in over four years.

The Uruguayan took his time to settle into life at Old Trafford but has been in stunning form of late, scoring goals aplenty for Solskjaer's side. He will surely be a handful for an impressive Villarreal backline and is a sure-shot starter for Manchester United in their UEL final.

The Red Devils' number nine Anthony Martial is not part of the traveling squad as he continues to recover from injury.


Also read: Premier League 2020-21: Final Golden Boot, most assists, and Golden Glove standings after Matchday 38

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