Manchester United fans have slammed club manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, striker Marcus Rashford and goalkeeper David de Gea for their apparent shortcomings in Wednesday night's Europa League final defeat to Villarreal. The Spanish club secured their first-ever European trophy by beating the competition's favorites in the penalty shootouts after 120 minutes of football action had ended.
A first half strike by Gerard Moreno gave Unai Emery's side the lead in the first half before Edinson Cavani restored parity in the early minutes of the second half. Shortly after, Marcus Rashford had a golden opportunity to fire the Red Devils in front but made a mess of the chance and missed from close range.
The English striker who had been a shadow of himself all game long latched onto Bruno Fernandes' pass from the right after being through on goal. Although initial sentiments were that the Portuguese playmaker was offside, the linesman kept his flag down before Rashford made a poor connection with the ball to put it wide with Villarreal goalkeeper Rulli being the only man standing between him and the gaping goalpost.
Man Utd have now faced Spanish opposition three times in major European finals:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 26, 2021
2009: Lost vs. Barcelona (UCL)
2011: Lost vs. Barcelona (UCL)
2021: Lost vs. Villarreal (UEL)
They also lost to Real Madrid in the Super Cup in 2017. pic.twitter.com/6I6r5M8qIf
A series of chances came the way of Solskjaer's men but they will live to rue their inefficiency with the game being forced into extra-time after the stalemates in the regulation time. Ultimately, the European cup final was decided on penalties and after 21 kicks had been taken by the two sides, David De Gea handed Villarreal the trophy by under-hitting his attempt. Having failed to save any of the kicks he faced, he sent a rather tame shot to the right and the ball was calmly gathered by Rulli, sparking celebrations in the camp of the Yellow Submarines.
The result meant that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now lost four semi-finals and one final since taking over the club in 2018. The Norwegian coach, who is yet to secure his first title with Manchester United, came under massive scrutiny following the conclusion of the game with a section of the fans calling for his imminent sack for his 'poor management' skill. Here are a few reactions after the Red Devils' calamitous ending in the Europa League final:
The upside from big defeats is that you can't paper over the cracks. De Gea decline, Rashford loss of form, Solskjaer's game management, lack of squad depth all contributed tonight. But do the Glazers care enough to address the key issues?
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) May 26, 2021
Is Solskjaer watching the same game as me?! How's Greenwood the one being brought off over Rashford
— Zach Wallace (@zachw_9) May 26, 2021
I've made my feelings for Solskjaer quite clear but I genuinely don't want to see Rashford in a United shirt ever again after that performance.
— SteLUHG (@SteveLUHG) May 26, 2021
It's all hype and talk. No action. I'm sick of watching him play and everyone just pretends he's good.
I feel like I'm going insane.
Could be that Solskjaer is banking on Rashford playing so poorly that he is fated to get the winner. He's not going off. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 26, 2021
Solskjaer's worst decision : keeping Rashford in the field.
— Oky Dhanasworo (@OkyDhanasworo) May 26, 2021
Manchester United's defeat is on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Yes the players should've played a lot better but Ole so tactically naive, lack of bottle to mix up things. Kept Rashford, took off Greenwood, who was one of our brightest players. Made subs after ET is inexcusable! #MUFC
— Rohan Sengupta (@GarryDevilDada) May 26, 2021
He had a better team. He had 2nd place basically sown up for weeks. But this game showed every one of Solskjaer's limitations:
— Jonny Guckian (@JonnyGucks) May 26, 2021
- awful subbing
- overplaying Rashford
- misplaced faith in De Gea
- inability to break down low block#mufc https://t.co/MlOzO68nqk
Rashford and Solskjaer lost this trophy! #VILMUN
— Just Kogz (@SKogibito) May 26, 2021
De Gea had saved 0 out of his last 25 penalties before that shootout, whilst Henderson has saved 42% of penalties faced in his entire career. Shouldn't have gone to penalties but once it did Solskjaer should've been ruthless & made that sub. I am sorry but that's on the manager.
— Jack (@UtdJackkkk) May 26, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer referred to the omens of 26 and destiny before the final. And then left his No. 26 - Dean Henderson - on the bench for the penalty shootout during which De Gea didn't save any. pic.twitter.com/BccmjjOHqz
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 26, 2021
Solskjær should have had the balls to put Henderson on late on. People clutching onto what De Gea gave us five years ago whilst we make a better goalkeeper sit in the stands.
— Jordan (@FourFourJordan) May 26, 2021
#MUFC this might be selfish but De Gea, Rashford dissapointed Ole G Solskjaer ... it kills me to say it but ... idk what to say
— PgTrym91 : Twitch,Instagram, Norwegian #MUFC fan (@PgTrym91) May 26, 2021
to be fully honest Rashford been dealing with 2 injuries at same time this season so was frustrating he was so hesitant
I think the biggest drawback of Solskjaer's managerial stint at United is his blind faith. In certain players, be it for longer periods or certain situations. No way should've Rashford survive entire game today. Nor De Gea for the penalties. Has to be more ruthless sometimes.
— Uttiyo Sarkar (@uttiyo_sarkar) May 26, 2021
