Solskjaer Talks Tough As United Battle Villarreal In Europa League Final

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his Manchester United lads to beat Spaniards Villarreal in the Europa League as it could be a “stepping stone for a big future”.

The Red Devils face Villarreal in Gdansk, Poland, on Wednesday (20:00 BST), in a match that could see Solskjaer clinch his first trophy for the club.

“This is a team that we’ve rebuilt in the last few years. Hopefully this is the start of something more,” the hero of United’s 1999 Champions League win said.

United have not won a major trophy for four years, but Solskjaer said he was “quietly confident” of beating Villarreal, who finished seventh in Spain’s La Liga in 2020-21.

“This is the best club in the world,” he added.

“That’s the pleasure and the pressure of Manchester United. That’s something the players are ready for. They wouldn’t have signed here if they weren’t top players.

“These are big nights for us. It might be the stepping stone for a big future.

“This group of players has been working for a year and a half together. The next step for them is to enjoy a game like this – I’ve seen something growing inside of the players.”

United, who travelled with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, will be watched by at least 2,000 of their raveling supporters in the ancient Polish city.

Meanwhile, Villarreal manager Unai Emery will be able to call on the services of mesmerizing Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze, who has recovered from the knock he picked up in the semifinal win against Arsenal.