Manchester United take on Villarreal in the 2020-21 Europa League final on Thursday at Stadion Energa Gdansk. Manchester United previously won the tournament in 2017, and this match will be their first appearance in a European final ever since. Villarreal, on the other hand, qualified for the finals in the competition for the first time ever.

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Here is Manchester United’s starting XI:

David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay

Here is Villarreal’s starting XI:

Geronimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Raul Albiol, Pau Torres, Alfonso Pedraza, Yeremi Pino, Etienne Capoue, Dani Parejo, Manu Trigueros, Gerard Moreno, Carlos Bacca

Manchester United’s talisman and top scorer, Bruno Fernandes has had 27 goals and 13 assists to his name across all competitions, and well complemented by Marcus Rashford, who has had 20 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

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Villarreal’s attack has been led by the forward, Gerard Moreno with 29 goals and 7 assists, and well supported by his forward partner, Paco Alcacer with 12 goals and 4 assists.

Manchester United finished second in Premier League, only below their neighbours Manchester City, who will also be playing in a European Final. United’s main strength has been in the attack; the combinations of Fernandes with the forwards such as Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood, have been relied upon time and again, this season. 

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Villarreal’s manager, Unai Emery, has won it three times in the past with Sevilla and also guided Arsenal to the finals in the 2018-19 season. And the club missing out on a top-six spot in La Liga means that the only way they can play in European Competitions the next season would be by winning the final against Manchester United, which would promote them to the Champions League in the next season. Hence, the Spanish side have all to play for.