Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to wait for his first trophy at Manchester United as Villarreal won the Europa League on penalties.
After a match that was poor even for European final standards, the deciding penalty was missed by United goalkeeper David De Gea after each team scored ten penalties.
In truth, United can have no complaints after an organised performance from Unai Emery's Villarreal, with an early goal from Gerard Moreno from a set piece. United's centre-back Victor Lindelof was arguably at fault for not knowing Moreno was behind him, and the Old Trafford side went in a goal down at half time.
Edinson Cavani was quick to react to a saved shot to equalise for United early in the second half.
In reality, there was little offered by either side but United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have questions to answer about an under-cooked and toothless performance.
The penalty shoot-out was of excellent quality, with both teams scoring ten before De Gea's miss.
The trophy is the first European trophy for El Submarino Amarillo.
Manchester United v Villarreal reaction
I’d say DeGea wants the Yellow Submarine to take him on board and let him hide under the water because he’ll want the whole ground to swallow him up now Jeff
— Cillian Sheridan (@CillianSheridan) May 26, 2021
If only #mufc players had played with the intensity they are performatively removing their runners-up medals
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) May 26, 2021
De Gea should have had a word with himself before taking that seeing as he inspired all the Villareal lads to score
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) May 26, 2021
Horrific final, we deserve entertaining penalties for watching that
— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) May 26, 2021
De Gea pic.twitter.com/UO5njpFRBi
— Eoin Sheahan (@EoinSheahan) May 26, 2021
He's no Clucko.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) May 26, 2021
He's no Clucko.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) May 26, 2021
Ultimately, United should have had that wrapped up long before the final whistle - and, let's not forget, they should never have been in this competition in the first place. They should have had CL qualification wrapped up.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 26, 2021
United’s best players have been running out of form over the past few weeks - they didn’t turn up tonight and lost over 120, not on penalties. Their top level is still a good level but their modal level still isn’t good enough, or, put another way, bollocks.
— United Rewind (@unitedrewind) May 26, 2021
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
