Manchester United are back in Champions League action this week. Opponents Villarreal may turn out to be the worst team to face considering United’s current predicament.
The goals have dried up for United over the past couple of matches.
The team has failed to score over the last two games and now face an ultra resilient defence.
Villarreal frustrated United over 120 minutes in the Europa League final back in May, a 1-1 draw which we lost on penalties.
This week’s game feels huge, both for the Champions League campaign itself and the context of United’s season.
This should be a chance for revenge. But it won’t be easy. A loss to Young Boys cranks up the pressure with United needing victory here.
And two consecutive cup and league losses in the lead up to this fixture has placed added pressure on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
0-0 specialists
Four of Villarreal’s seven results in all competitions this season have finished 0-0. The defensive style used by Unai Emery is one they are likely to stick to.
At the weekend Villarreal claimed a hard fought 0-0 draw away at Real Madrid.
Emery told the club website: “We neutralized Real Madrid by playing with personality and demonstrating our idea of how to play. It is true that we lacked a little bit of cutting edge to be able to win the game, but we’re on the right path.
“This is a match that strengthens us and once more shows that we are capable of competing against the best teams in the world.”
Villarreal will follow the same game plan at Old Trafford. And they will be keen to capitalise on United’s sudden home struggles and hope to cause a raucous home crowd to become nervous and frustrated.
As they showed at the weekend, it’s what they do best. And with top scorer from last season Gerard Moreno potentially missing through injury – he sat out at the weekend – playing a defensive focused game suits their strengths.
Villarreal drew their opening game against Atalanta and a draw or win at Old Trafford would be viewed as a good result ahead of two matches with Young Boys.
Sixth time lucky?
Manchester United have a poor record against Villarreal and have never beaten the Spanish side in five attempts.
Prior to the Europa League final, all four matches between United and Villarreal ended 0-0.
That is an ominous sign ahead of this week considering Villarreal’s record of goalless draws this season, and United’s lack of goals during the past two games.
United will want to show a reaction this week, to both the Young Boys defeat and the weekend’s result. Villarreal will be stubborn opponents, and while we are hopeful Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will get the job done – don’t be surprised if the game ends 0-0.
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