The Villarreal threat

By Tom Cole, published on 24/05/21

The Villareal Threat

They’ve finished 7th in La Liga and have a Europa League master in the dugout, but could this Spanish side really cause United problems?

Manchester United’s season can go from good to great by lifting the Europa League trophy on Wednesday, the only thing stopping them is Villareal. Managed by the familiar face of Unai Emery, they have a gaffer who is arguably the most experienced Europa League manager of all time. On paper this game looks like a formality for the Reds, but could there be a surprise in store?

The Manager

It could be very easy to see Emery as a manager out of his depth after his tenure at Arsenal and PSG, but it’s in the Europa League where this man thrives. The Spaniard won an unprecedented three consecutive Europa Leagues with Sevilla, and even managed to reach another final with Arsenal, eventually losing to Chelsea.

It is without doubt that this man has more Europa League experience than anyone else, and in fact has a fantastic record in knockout competitions everywhere he has managed. This could be a potential worry for Ole in his first final as United manager, and whilst he has overseen us win some big games in the last few years, Emery comes into the game with much more experience. He will not be phased if we take an early lead and won’t be under any illusions that we could crumble if they take the lead either.

This is something to be aware of, Villareal are known to start very quickly and essentially put the semi-final to bed in the first 30 minutes. United may need to sit in and ride the storm before pushing forward. Behind the much derided post-match interviews lies a great manager that cannot be underestimated, and there may even be a few surprises in store.

The Attack

For seasoned FIFA players, Gerard Moreno and Carlos Bacca are names that are instantly recognisable. Bacca was one of the most overpowered strikers around five years ago, and whilst he is slowing down in his mid-30s, he still poses a threat. He has had a poor domestic season with only five goals scored, but just over a week ago Villareal destroyed Sevilla, winning 4-0 and Bacca grabbing a hat-trick, showing he is coming into some good form at a bad time for United.

Gerard Moreno is one of the most underrated strikers in European football right now. Only Lionel Messi scored more La Liga goals this year, with Moreno getting 23 goals and 7 assists in 33 appearances, which are phenomenal numbers playing for a club outside the big 3. He has blistering pace and will be a worry if we are chasing the game and they can break on the counter. His finishing speaks for itself and is threat against a centre-back partnership which will more than likely not feature our captain Maguire. He will be licking his lips with the thought of coming up against Bailly or Tuanzebe who haven’t shown the composure when called upon, any half chance could lead to serious danger.

Paco Alcacer should also be mentioned. He is not in the best of form right now but did play a few minutes against Real Madrid, a possible indication he is in Emery’s plans to start on Wednesday. Whilst not as quick as Moreno, he could still prove tricky for our makeshift defence, and has got a great goal scoring record in the Europa League this season.

The Midfield

The middle of the park is where this game is going to be won or lost. Again, on paper the Villareal midfield looks like a combination of players beyond their prime and youngsters trying to make their name in the game, but this combination prevented Arsenal from ever really having full control of either semi-final, and does pose a threat going forward.

Dani Parejo is the main source of creativity and whilst he is not blessed with pace, he can still ping a ball for the strikers to latch onto. Alongside him in the middle of the park is the familiar name of former Spurs and Watford man, Etienne Capoue. Another player that fans may underestimate, he was sent off in the first semi-final and this was the only time Arsenal ever really looked like the better side - it really messed up the balance of the Villareal midfield. They are a team who don’t press as Premier leagues sides United would be used to but do make things difficult and force errors. Tis may be something of concern as the McFred pivot aren’t the most reliable when it comes to passing and making the right decisions.

United are fortunate that young star Samuel Chukwueze picked up a hamstring injury in the semi-finals and does not look fit to return by Wednesday. He is a young player with a lot of talent and again would have stretched our defence on the counterattack. He will likely be replaced by Yeremy Pino, an even younger player who has picked up a lot of minutes this season but hasn’t rewarded his manager with too many goal contributions so far.

Villareal look set to start with a 4-4-2 formation, and this game once again throws up the issue that United don’t really have an out and out centre defensive midfielder who can control these games. Ole may try and fit Pogba and Rashford into the starting eleven by moving Pogba back into midfield, and this probably would be the best way of dealing with Villareal’s midfield, having a big physical player in there to disrupt would reap rewards for us.

The Defence

The centre-back partnership of ex-Real Madrid player Albiol and rising star Pau Torres is something that has really worked over the course of the season, with many clubs interested in getting Torres’ signature in the upcoming transfer window, including United. Once again, with the mixture of young and old, it is clear Torres has learnt a lot playing alongside Albiol and they are going to be a tough nut to crack. Arsenal only managed to score one goal over two games against them, and if not for a late lapse in concentration Villareal would have beaten Real Madrid on the final day of the La Liga season.

We are going to have to create a lot and really stretch this defence, possibly focussing on the lack of pace that Albiol possesses and trying to isolate him. Luke Shaw and Wan-Bissaka need to be at their attacking best to create and overload, while an in-form Cavani is another great option to have. Arsenal’s best chances came from the air, with the woodwork saving Emery’s men on a couple of occasions. Cavani would surely fancy himself to grab a goal if these sorts of chances presented themselves in the final.

Predictions for the Final

The first goal is huge in this game. If United are chasing a goal, the pace of Villareal’s front line could be devastating and that will be Emery’s game-plan. We must start well and grow throughout the game, we’ve got the players to dominate the midfield with the right selection, and if these decisions are made it should be a comfortable game. Greenwood and Cavani are in great form, and with Bruno showing no signs of slowing down, we really should be scoring a few goals and lifting our first trophy in three years. Ole has the potential of turning this good season into a great one, and with the right team selection this is well within our grasp.