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Villarreal and Unai Emery created history against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League earlier today as they lifted the first trophy in their history after an entertaining final in Gdansk. Manchester United were the better team for most of the game but failed to take their chances and were left to rue what could have been an end to their own trophy drought.
Unai Emery won the competition for the fourth time in his career and his exceptional work with Villarreal has finally paid dividends this season. Manchester United will play in the UEFA Champions League next season but have missed out on a golden opportunity to win their first piece of silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United stunned by resolute Villarreal defence as Unai Emery wins another UEFA Europa League trophy
Manchester United started the game well and threatened Villarreal's goal on a few occasions in the first half-hour. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka found space on the flanks but their crosses were repelled by a well-drilled Villarreal defence.
The Red Devils were stunned in the 29th minute, however, as Gerard Moreno took full toll of a set-piece to put Unai Emery's side ahead. Manchester United took it up a notch after Moreno's strike but were unable to create a concrete chance before half-time.
Villarreal nearly found their second goal early in the second half as a free-kick routine wreaked havoc in the Manchester United penalty area. The Red Devils bounced back only minutes later, however, as Edinson Cavani pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to score his side's equaliser.
Manchester United grew in confidence after their goal and dominated the second half. Villarreal put up a stubborn wall of defence, however, and did well to take the game into extra time.
Both teams took their feet off the pedal in extra time as the intensity of the game began to take its toll. What followed, however, was a historic penalty shoot-out that left both sets of fans on the edge of their seats. After an astonishing 21 successful penalties, Geronimo Rulli saved David de Gea's efforts to win the first trophy in Villarreal's 98-year history.
Villarreal Player Ratings
Geronimo Rulli - 7/10
Geronimo Rulli was not troubled by Manchester United in open play and could do nothing but Cavani's goal in the second half. The shot-stopper saved De Gea's penalty to win Villarreal their first-ever trophy.
Raul Albiol - 8.5/10
Raul Albiol was the most seasoned player on the pitch and had to bring all his experience to the fore to keep Villarreal in the game. The Spaniard was a robust presence in his side's defensive line and also scored an excellent penalty.
Pau Torres - 9/10
Pau Torres has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months and could not have produced a better audition. The centre-back was arguably the best player on the pitch and pulled off a historic performance for his boyhood club.
Juan Foyth - 6.5/10
Juan Foyth engaged in an intriguing battle with his Manchester United counterpart Luke Shaw and did manage to pull off some vital blocks. The Argentine defender sustained a fair share of knocks and was taken off before extra time.
Alfonso Pedraza - 5.5/10
Alfonso Pedraza was taken apart by Mason Greenwood on a few occasions but did manage to threaten Wan-Bissaka on a few occasions. The full-back was replaced by former Liverpool man Alberto Moreno towards the end of the second half.
Etienne Capoue - 7/10
Etienne Capoue did walk a fine line in the second half after his booking but improved towards the end of the game. The Frenchman held his ground against McTominay and was a strong presence in the middle of the pitch.
Dani Parejo - 6/10
Dani Parejo bagged an important assist for Villarreal's first-half goal but did not see much of the ball against Manchester United. The Spanish midfielder had to curb his attacking instincts for more defensive responsibilities and had a positive outing.
Manu Trigueros - 6/10
Manu Trigueros had to work immensely hard against Manchester United and was fairly successful against McTominay and Pogba. The midfielder was unable to contribute in an attacking sense, however, and was taken off in the second half.
Yeremi Pino - 6/10
Yeremi Pino put in a massive shift on the right flank for Villarreal and was one of his side's only options on the counter. The youngster was replaced by the experienced Paco Alcacer in the second half.
Gerard Moreno - 7.5/10
Gerard Moreno scored his 30th goal of the season against Manchester United after making the most of a set-piece in the first half. The Villarreal striker took his penalty well and troubled Manchester United's defence on numerous occasions.
Carlos Bacca - 5/10
Carlos Bacca was an isolated figure for much of the game and was unable to trouble Manchester United's defence. The Villarreal striker was replaced by Francis Coquelin at the hour-mark.
Substitutes
Francis Coquelin - 6.5/10
Francis Coquelin played an important role for Villarreal in the second half and added some steel to his side's midfield. The former Arsenal man did commit a few fouls but was important to Villarreal's defensive performance.
Paco Alcacer - 6.5/10
Paco Alcacer pulled off a few snap shots against Manchester United but was unable to hit the target. The Spanish striker scored a brilliant penalty against De Gea to keep Villarreal in the game.
Alberto Moreno - 6/10
Alberto Moreno was a lively presence on the left flank and made a few good runs into the final third. The former Liverpool defender found himself in a couple of excellent positions but was unable to produce a final product.
Mario Gaspar - 6.5/10
Mario Gaspar did not have much time on the pitch but did manage a few lung-bursting runs to sway the odds in Villarreal's favour in extra time.
Dani Raba - 6/10
Dabi Raba was brought on towards the end of extra time and did well with his penalty.
Moi Gomez - 6/10
Moi Gomez was also introduced in extra time and was unable to have much of an impact on the flow of the game.
Also Read: La Liga 2020/21: Top 10 players this season according to ratings
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea - 5.5/10
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea did not have much to do against Villarreal in open play and cannot be blamed for Gerard Moreno's goal. The Spaniard was the guilty party towards the end of the shoot-out, however, and was gutted with the result.
Eric Bailly - 6/10
Eric Bailly had a relatively quiet game for the most part but did not look comfortable against Paco Alcacer. The Dutchman received a yellow card and was taken off for Axel Tuanzebe.
Victor Lindelof - 4.5/10
Victor Lindelof was largely at fault for Villarreal's first goal against Manchester United and was easily outpaced by the in-form Gerard Moreno. The centre-back did improve in the second half but was occasionally troubled by Villarreal's counters.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 8/10
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was one of Manchester United's best players on the night and kept Villarreal's attack at bay with some brilliant tackles. The right-back also created chances for his teammates and was in imperious form.
Luke Shaw - 7.5/10
Luke Shaw was a formidable force on the left flank and was able to create chances throughout the game. The left-back troubled Juan Foyth on several occasions and had an excellent match.
Scott McTominay - 7.5/10
Scott McTominay put in a strong performance against Villarreal and nipped several counters in the bud. The Manchester United midfielder spent 120 minutes on the pitch and played his heart out for the Red Devils.
Paul Pogba - 5/10
Paul Pogba started the game well but faded into the background as Villarreal held firm against Manchester United. The French midfielder struggled to break the Yellow Submarine's lines and was replaced by Daniel James in extra time.
Bruno Fernandes - 4.5/10
Bruno Fernandes was uncharacteristically quiet against Villarreal and was harried by his tenacious midfield opponents. The Manchester United maestro misplaced a fair share of passes and was unable to make an impact in the final third.
Marcus Rashford - 3/10
Marcus Rashford played one of his worst games in a Manchester United shirt against Villarreal and squandered a golden opportunity to score the winner in the second half. The English striker was offside on several occasions but did make a few amends with a successful penalty in the shoot-out.
Mason Greenwood - 6.5/10
Mason Greenwood troubled Alfonso Pedraza with his pace and created an excellent chance towards the end of the first half. The English striker was unable to trouble Geronimo Rulli, however, and was replaced by Fred in extra time.
Edinson Cavani - 7/10
Edinson Cavani ran his heart out against Villarreal and contributed to most of his side's movements in the final third. The Uruguayan striker scored a poacher's goal in the second half and also took his penalty with confidence.
Substitutes
Fred - 5.5/10
Fred was Manchester United's first substitution and was unable to add anything of note to his side's exploits. The midfielder survived a penalty appeal in the second half but did score a powerful penalty of his own in the shoot-out.
Daniel James - 6/10
Daniel James was brought on to add some much-needed pace to Manchester United's game in extra time. Like most of his teammates, the winger put his penalty away with ease.
Axel Tuanzebe - 6/10
Axel Tuanzebe replaced Eric Bailly for Manchester United in extra time. The youngster showed admirable courage to step up and take a penalty for his side.
Juan Mata - 6/10
Juan Mata was brought on specifically for the penalty shoot-out and performed his task admirably with a well-taken strike.
Alex Telles - 6/10
Alex Telles was also brought on for the penalty shoot-out and did his part by finding the back of the net.
Also Read: Serie A 2020/21: Top 10 players this season according to ratings
