Manchester United have lost the Europa League final after they were beaten by Villarreal in a dramatic penalty shootout.
After the match ended 1-1 in
normal time, United and Villarreal were unable to find the winning goal in
extra time and the contest went to penalties with goalkeeper David De Gea
missing the crucial spot kick for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Juan Mata, Alex Telles, Bruno
Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani all converted their penalties
before it went to sudden death. Fred, Dan James, Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe and
Victor Lindelof all found the net before Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli
put the Spanish side ahead.
De Gea then stepped up to pull
United level but his effort was comfortably saved by Rulli.
The result has left Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer still searching for his first trophy as United manager.
Solskjaer’s men went behind in the
first half as Dani Parejo’s free kick eluded United’s defence and Gerard Moreno
got away from Victor Lindelof to steer the ball past David De Gea.
United improved in the second half
and equalised in the 55th minute through Edinson Cavani after the ball bounced
into the Uruguayan’s path from close range.
United’s dominance continued after
their equaliser and Marcus Rashford had the best chance to put Solskjaer’s side
in front but after meeting Bruno Fernandes’ cross from the right flank he
side-footed his effort wide of Villarreal’s goal.
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