Villarreal vs Manchester United Preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Manchester United travel to Gdansk to face Villarreal in the Europa League final.

Villarreal vs Manchester United Preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch
Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images
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By Daniel Noble

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leads Manchester United into the Europa League final as he searches for his first trophy with the club. 

After ending the domestic campaign in second place behind rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils now turn their attentions to Unai Emery's Villarreal

The United boss will hoping to round off the season in the perfect fashion with what could be the club's first piece of silverware since winning this competition in 2017.

Team news 

Despite naming a 26-man squad, there was no place for long-term absentees Anthony Martial and Phil Jones who continue to be sidelined and have been unsuccessful in their race to be fit.

United captain Harry Maguire remains a doubt as a result of an ankle injury. However, Solskjaer has not ruled his skipper out and will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness for the final. 

Notable inclusions in the travelling squad come in the form of youngsters Nathan Bishop, Amad, Anthony Elanga and Shola Shoretire

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Meanwhile, a number of key players are doubts for Villarreal as Samuel Chukwueze and Juan Foyth are hoped to be fit but could still miss out. 

Additionally, despite Etienne Capoue returning to the midfield following a suspension, the Spanish side have been dealt a blow with Vicente Iborra unavailable.

Predicted lineups

United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Pogba, Cavani.

Villareal: Rulli, Gaspar, Albiol, Torres, Pedraza, Parejo, Coquelin, Trigueros, Moreno, Alcacer, Chukwueze. 

Ones to watch 

It would be hard to argue against Bruno Fernandes as the key player for United. The Portuguese playmaker has transcended this team and it is now difficult to find words to describe his impact.

With five goals and four assists in the Europa League this campaign, the midfield maestro will be hoping to grab another goal involvement or two to lead his side to their first trophy in four years. 

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As for Villarreal, Gerard Moreno has arguably been the competition's form player this year and could certainly cause problems for United, especially if the defence is weakened in Maguire's absence. 

With six goals and five assists so far, the Spaniard will look to get back to goal scoring ways having failed to find the net against Arsenal in there semi-final.

Head to head

Both sides enter this tie off the back off mixed results as of late as they both picked up two wins, two defeats and a draw.

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw in the Champions League group stages all the way back in 2008.

Prediction 

Manchester United 2-1 Villarreal

Where to watch on TV

The match will kick off at 8PM live on BT Sport. Jake Humphrey will present the coverage alongside Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes while the commentary team will be made up of Ian Darke & Robbie Savage.

You can also follow the match via radio on talkSport and BBC Radio 5 Live. But best of all, the action will be unfolding live across VAVEL UK.