Manchester United usually are not favourites in opposition to Villarreal in a “50-50″ Europa League final, according to Diego Forlan, who played for both clubs.
United face the La Liga side in Gdansk on Wednesday as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to get his hands on a first piece of silverware in the role, reports DPA.
This is United’s eighth major European final but Villarreal’s first.
Forlan feels this history has skewed perceptions of the match, though, with Villarreal unbeaten in Europe this season and led by Unai Emery, who is aiming to become the first coach to win the UEFA Cup or Europa League four times.
“I don’t think Manchester United is the favourite,” Forlan stated.
“People say Manchester United resulting from its historical past, what it means, and for being such a giant membership. No doubt it’s.
“However, for the sport, the previous is ineffective, what counts is the current, the efficiency itself.
“That’s why gamers for Manchester United are cautious, as a result of they know they will win but additionally they will lose, 50-50.
“Maybe individuals are underrating what Villarreal historical past has. It is a group who all the time compete very nicely. They play superb soccer and they will harm Manchester United.”
Forlan left United for Villarreal in 2004 and featured against the Old Trafford outfit when the sides met for the first time in September 2005.
He was absent for the return match two months later, however, and had left before their most recent clashes in 2008-09.
All four games between the sides have ended 0-0, making Villarreal the opponents United have faced most in their history without ever scoring.
The Red Devils might also be wary of the Spanish team’s recent records against English opposition in the finals, with the past nine meetings — since Liverpool beat Alaves 5-4 in the 2000-01 UEFA Cup — seeing the La Liga side come out on top.
Emery was in charge for one of those nine, overseeing a Europa League final victory against Liverpool with Sevilla in 2015-16.
“[Emery] is a very experienced coach,” Forlan added. “He has been teaching a few years. He has received the Europa League and was additionally within the remaining with Arsenal once they misplaced in opposition to Chelsea.
“It is a man that is aware of this competitors very nicely. I feel it’s good for the group when you’ve got a coach with the expertise, the help that he has.
“It doesn’t offer you all the things it is advisable win the ultimate, nevertheless it offers you just a little little bit of help, which is sweet once you go right into a recreation like this.”
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