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Manchester United are gearing up to play for one final time in the 2020-21 campaign as they face Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League final.
Historically, Manchester United haven't had the best of records against Spanish sides in Europe. They did get the better of Real Sociedad this time around, but they've succumbed to several LaLiga Santander sides in the past, including Sevilla, Barcelona and Athletic Club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will hope to change this as they look to lift their first trophy under the Norwegian. The Red Devils made it up to the semi-finals last year only to lose out to eventual champions Sevilla.
Manchester United have been a significantly improved outfit this year and finished second in the league standings. However, they have a tall order ahead of them as they could potentially be without their star defender Harry Maguire, who is sidelined due to injury. More importantly, they are up against Unai Emery, the most accomplished manager in UEL history.
As Manchester United vie for European glory against a stubborn Yellow Submarine outfit, here, we take a look at five players to keep an eye on during the game.
#5 Eric Bailly | Manchester United
With Harry Maguire set to be sidelined for the final in all likelihood, the defensive responsibilities will fall to Victor Lindelof and former Villarreal man Eric Bailly. The Ivorian moved to Old Trafford from Villarreal back in 2016 and has had an injury-stricken spell at the club, managing just 105 appearances since then.
On Wednesday, he will be in line to start in the final against his former club and will deputise for his injured skipper. After a stop-and-start season under Solskjaer, the final could prove to be an excellent opportunity to redeem himself with a memorable display. Bailly will be crucial if Manchester United hope to keep Villarreal's attackers at bay.
#4 Gerard Moreno | Villarreal
Villarreal star Gerard Moreno enters the final as one of the most in-form strikers in world football at the moment. The Spanish international has smashed in 23 goals with a further seven assists in 33 LaLiga Santander appearances. Furthermore, Moreno also has six Europa League goals to his name with three assists in 11 appearances.
Moreno is undoubtedly set to be Villarreal's biggest threat heading into the game and could very easily take the game away from Manchester United. He would be the biggest beneficiary of Maguire potentially missing out as he could have a go at a pair who haven't played too much football together. Moreno will look to cap off a career-best campaign with a European trophy to show for.
Also read: Top 5 goalscorers in La Liga this season (2020-21)
#3 Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United
Manchester United's stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes could possibly be the best player on the pitch in Gdansk and will be central to the Red Devils' hopes of a win. The Portuguese superstar has been in devastating form, currently boasting of the highest number of goals and assists in Europe's top five leagues from a midfielder.
One of the issues faced by the Red Devils is that they've struggled to perform consistently in games where the opposition nullify Fernandes completely. For this reason, the 26-year-old has to be at his very best and make his side tick. Much like the other stars brought in by Solskjaer, Fernandes is yet to pick up silverware in a United shirt and will be eager to captain his side to the trophy in Poland.
#2 Pau Torres | Villarreal
Pau Torres is a player to watch out for during the final for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he's been one of Villarreal's best players this season and has formed a great partnership with Raul Albiol at the back. He could prove to be a difficult player to get past for Manchester United's forwards and is also a vital player for the Yellow Submarine in terms of bringing the ball out.
The other reason is Manchester United's well-documented interest in signing the Spain international this summer. Widespread reports have claimed that they consider Torres a priority target in the window and that the final could give them a close look at the defender.
The 24-year-old will have to be at his very best not only to stop a pacy United attack, but also to leave a good account of himself against his potential employers.
#1 Edinson Cavani | Manchester United
During several important games in the 2019-20 campaign, including the semi-final against Sevilla, Manchester United appeared to lack one particular player. Someone who, in Solskjaer's words, would be willing 'to break his nose' to score a goal for his side. Edinson Cavani has proven to be exactly what they need this year, and he's already proved his worth to the Red Devils.
Even at the age of 34, the Uruguayan's work rate has been nearly impeccable, and he's popped up with crucial goals for his side on numerous occasions. Cavani has scored a handful of match-winning goals for the club in his short stay so far, including winners against AS Roma and Granada in the UEL. He's scored 16 goals and set up a further six in 38 games for the Red Devils so far.
On Wednesday, he will go up against the coach he scored 89 goals for in just 98 games, along with 17 assists in all competitions. Will he be able to win his first European trophy against Unai Emery's Villarreal? Or will the Spanish coach's expertise in the competition reign supreme once again?
Only time will tell.
Also read: Ranking the 5 most likely destinations for Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane
