Manchester United are set to host Villarreal in the Champions League group stage game, which will also be a repeat of the last season’s Europa League final.
Venue: Old Trafford
Key Statistics
- Manchester United ended up on the losing side when they last played Villarreal in the 2020-21 Europa League final. The Spanish outfit emerged victorious with a scoreline of 1 – 0.
- United suffered a shocking loss in their Champions League opener against Young Boys while Villarreal shared points with Atalanta after a 2-2 draw.
- The Red Devils haven’t registered a win in their last seven games against Spanish opponents in European competitions.
Head to Head record
United are winless in their five head to head meetings with Villarreal in the European competitions ( 4 D, 1 L), with the recent encounter between these two being last season’s Europa League final where Villarreal had the last laugh.
Recent form
Manchester United ( Premier League): D W W W L
Villarreal ( La Liga): D D D W D
Manchester United
Manchester United’s explosive start to the new season has hit a stumbling block after the EFL Cup exit against West Ham followed up by a shock defeat against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
The way they have started the Champions League campaign also leaves a lot to be desired as they suffered a shock loss to Young Boys on the opening matchday.
Now, the Red Devils will be facing their old foes Villarreal, with whom they have unfinished business after last year’s Europa League final defeat.
Although they intend to exact revenge against the Spanish side, the odds are against Solskjaer’s men due to their worrying form of late.
Elsewhere, Unai Emery’s side will be entering the tie after drawing against the La Liga leaders Real Madrid at the weekend.
As far as the team news is concerned, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are doubtful for the game after being forced off with injuries in the defeat against West Ham.
Meanwhile, Aaron Wan- Bissaka is suspended for the tie after picking up a red card against Young Boys.
Possible line-ups
David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles, Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo
Villarreal
Villarreal’s start to the La Liga hasn’t been that impressive as they have managed 5 draws and a win in their 6 games so far.
However, they believe they can outsmart the Red Devils once again after holding the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Atalanta to a draw.
Yeremy Pino, who featured in the last season’s UEL final against United, turns out to be a revelation for the Yellow Submarine this season after garnering a goal and three assists in 5 games.
However, star striker Gerard Moreno will not be available due to injury while Chukwueze and Juan Foyth remain doubtful for the game.
Possible line-ups
Geronimo Rulli; Pervis Estupinan, Pau Torres, Raul Albiol, Alfonso Pedraza; Yeremi Pino, Etienne Capoue, Dani Parejo, Manuel Trigueros; Boulaye Dia, Paco Alcacer.
Prediction
Manchester United 1-2 Villarreal
