“No” – the answer given by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when asked whether this season can be deemed successful. Twenty-two years on from his magical night against Bayern, it proved dejection for the boss in Gdansk as our four year wait for silverware is prolonged.
As on many occasions this season, a second half response was the requirement from United as they headed into the break behind. During the opening stages, there was no real balance in the game as Villarreal in particular started nervily. United did appear the superior side early on, with an extremely dominant opening as the game was taken to the Spaniards. Despite this, it was Villarreal who took the lead; Gerard Moreno broke a high United line from a deep free kick, outwitting and out-strengthening Lindelof to finish for his thirtieth goal this term. From then onwards, our opposition remained stubborn and compact in an increasingly deeper block. With limited space to work with, United’s movement and general intensity was reduced as they grew increasingly frustrated. Villarreal were limited aside from their goalscoring moment, but that singular instant provoked a requirement for yet another trademark red recovery after the break.
As anticipated, it was a stronger second half from United. The inevitable equaliser, subsequent to early attacking pressure placed on Villarreal, came relatively early in the period: Cavani poached after a few ricochets following Shaw’s corner. There was a blatant influx of urgency from United, with a positive approach alternative to apparent reservations in the first half. The likes of McTominay certainly impressed, proving the epitome of our battling stance in the game. Though pressure piled, there was no further avail from the reds; Villarreal’s defensive approach proved massively efficient once more which accentuated their widespread intelligence, their blockade frequently sured up by every body positioned behind the ball in unity out of possession. United’s buildup definitely quickened in contrast to the opening forty-five, however an excessive amount of promising opportunities were squandered amidst our growingly direct approach. Most of the joy was materialising from wide areas for United, with outlets such as Shaw typically allowing varied approaches including crosses to provide a versatile threat. Ultimately the reds’ empowerment was unsuccessful, and thirty minutes extra were on the cards in spite of the lack of offensive threat posed by our counterparts.
So, to half an hour of extra time. More freshened up than a limited United outfit, the momentum shifted in the direction of Villarreal. The former’s forward pressure somewhat eased, inviting pressure from Emery’s side. Amidst providal of some illusive threat playing on United's nerves, the Spaniards maintained their stubborn defensive approach to ensure penalties would be the worst case scenario. Really, the extra period proved the epitome of United’s struggles all evening – with a lack of creative prowess against a very well-drilled and pristinely organised defence. It was clear that penalties would be the only outcome: an extreme test of mentality.
That test of mindset was flawlessly passed. Each side converted with confidence, despite some close calls from each goalkeeper. There was no major faulter from any of the outfielders as the first twenty spot-kicks were converted, leaving it down to the two men who had failed to deny any of their ten attempts faced (despite each playing victim to some brushes of their respective fingertips). Following in the footsteps of his teammates, Rulli executed from twelve yards. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about the fate of his opposite number - De Gea’s admittedly timid effort from the spot was denied.
It was Villarreal’s night.
You just have to say it wasn’t our day, but to be frank it was our own doing on this occasion. Against a side who sat deep and defended, we once again showed our weakness in possession. We saw so much of the ball, but there was too little intent against a rather average Spanish side. Ultimately, the lack of final third quality was costly and we were punished on penalties - a phase of the match which should never have been reached. The showing entirely emphasised our frequent one-dimensionality, with minimal ability to operate against sides who aren’t as open defensively. We once again proved we are poor in matches where space is limited by the opposition, with a real absence of any movement costly in this kind of scenario. When it really matters, we just appear to have an inability to execute. Second in the league is certainly progress, but no silverware makes it at least a partial failure given the standards at this club. We’re close, but we really need to reestablish that winning mentality; this has to be a big summer of recruitment and organisation to propel us to that elite level where we can sustainably challenge for trophies.
Comments