Manchester United booked their place in the finals of the Europa League despite a 3-2 defeat against Roma in the second leg of the semi-finals earlier tonight. The Red Devils had won the first leg 6-2.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side was the better team heading into tonight’s contest, and the Manchester United manager would have expected a better showing from his players.
The Red Devils will now take on Villarreal in the final of the Europa League.
Here at Anytime football, we look at the five major talking points from tonight’s game.
Edinson Cavani is in red hot form
The Uruguayan striker was in outstanding form in the first leg of the clash, and he carried the momentum into tonight’s game as well.
Cavani scored both goals for Manchester United, and he managed to score a brace in the first leg as well.
The 34-year-old has proven himself to be a valuable option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, and the Red Devils must do everything in their power to hold on to him beyond this season.
The return of David de Gea
The Spaniard has not been himself for months now, but he seems to have recaptured his sharpness.
David De Gea was exceptional for Manchester United tonight, and he produced some excellent saves to keep his side in the game.
It will be interesting to see if the Spaniard can build on this performance and finish the season strongly with Manchester United.
Donny van de Beek needs a consistent run of games
The Dutchman was given a rare start tonight, but he was lacking in confidence and match fitness.
Van de Beek has not played regularly this season, and it would be unfair to expect him to hit the ground running.
The former Ajax midfielder produced a subdued performance tonight, and it will be interesting to see if he gets another chance to express himself in the coming weeks.
The midfielder needs a run of games to regain his sharpness and confidence. It remains to be seen whether he is willing to leave the club in order to get his career back on track next season.
Manchester United need to improve the centre back options
Solskjaer started Eric Bailly as a partner for Harry Maguire, but the former Villarreal defender failed to live up to expectations.
United will have to bring in another top-quality defender if they want the challenge for the major trophies.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can pull off a Ruben Dias-esque signing in the summer. The Portuguese defender transformed Manchester City, and United could use someone like him next to Maguire.
The Red Devils should be disappointed with the chances they conceded tonight, and it could have easily been costly had Roma defended better.
Roma’s defence is their weakest link
The Italian side put on an impressive performance tonight, and yet they failed to book their place in the finals because of a vulnerable defence.
Roma were outstanding going forward, but they were let down by the back four who kept giving away chances to Manchester United.
Cavani managed to score a brace tonight, but he could have easily added to his tally given the number of chances he had.
When Jose Mourinho takes over in the summer, improving the back four should be his first order of business.
