Villarreal vs Manchester United - 4 things to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Manchester United can qualify for the last 16 with a win.
Manchester United can qualify for the last 16 with a win.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Spain

Ronaldo scored on his last visit to Villarreal, in May 2018 with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo scored on his last visit to Villarreal, in May 2018 with Real Madrid.

Having spent nine years plying his trade in the Spanish top-flight, it's always exciting to see Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo return to the country.

Since leaving Real Madrid, he has returned to the country four times as a rival player. He arrived twice in Madrid to face Atletico with Juventus, and once in Valencia, where he was sent off on his European bow with the Serie A outfit. On his latest visit to Spain, Ronaldo scored in the 3-0 win at Barcelona in the Champions League last season.

The 36-year-old has netted in all four group matches so far, and will hope to continue that against Villarreal.

Ronaldo boasts a good record against Villarreal, with 14 goals scored in 20 appearances. Interestingly, his last-ever strike for Los Blancos also came against Villarreal at this very stadium.


#1 Manchester United must produce a big result

Manchester United begin life without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United begin life without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United are coming off a humiliating 4-1 loss to Watford in the Premier League. But with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now gone, the onus is now on the team to pick themselves up.

A victory would be enough to secure their place in the last-16, but it would be far easier said than done. The team is currently going through a crisis, both on and off the field. Their recent run of indifferent results, especially in the league, saw manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer face the sack.

Given there was a growing discontent with the Norwegian in the dressing room, a sense of relief must have pervaded through the camp after his departure.

Would that be enough to liberate Manchester United and bring out their best on Tuesday? It's too early to say, but the fans are itching for United to bounce back from the humbling Watford defeat and produce a great result.

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