Villarreal vs Manchester United — 5 Players to watch out for | UEFA Europa League 2020-21

Manchester United v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: Leg One
Manchester United v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: Leg One

#3 Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United

Everton v Manchester United - Premier League
Everton v Manchester United - Premier League

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

Villarreal CF v Granada CF - La Liga Santander
Villarreal CF v Granada CF - La Liga Santander

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

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

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

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