Ole provides team news update for the final

Tuesday 25 May 2021 15:49

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has discussed his selection plans for Wednesday's Europa League final with Villarreal.

The boss named a 26-man squad that travelled to Gdansk on Monday, minus striker Anthony Martial who was unable to win his race to be fit in time.

Skipper Harry Maguire has still not been ruled out, despite having an ankle injury, with Ole keen to give him as long as possible to try to prove he can lead the team out for the 20:00 BST kick-off.

Phil Jones is also sidelined after not being involved all season due to a knee problem.

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How we reached the Europa League final

Retrace the steps along the road to Wednesday's big game in Gdansk...

"We've prepared well. Anthony didn't make it, Phil didn't make it, of course, and Harry is just going to jog up and down the sidelines [in training]," said the manager. "I reckon he'll try to join in a bit.

“Apart from that, we're looking quite good.”

In the open training session at the stadium, the captain did not appear to take any part, keeping a watching brief before heading back down the tunnel. Eric Bailly seemed to shrug off a minor knock after a practice game. 

"It's always difficult to leave players out throughout the whole season," he explained. "A final is a reward for what's been done in the whole season then, if there's a doubt between a couple, it's the form in the latter stages, of course.

“We'll enjoy the last session and the players will get the team tomorrow [Wednesday].”

There are some tough calls to be made, including in goal with David De Gea and Dean Henderson competing for the gloves, and in the forward roles with Mason Greenwood's fine form promoting his claims for a start.

"I'll tell the team, especially the subs that are not starting, you may have to play a big part for us," he added. "As it's happened before. Be disappointed, be angry with me but be ready when you come on. Whoever starts, make sure you enjoy it because you don't play too many finals in your life."

VILLARREAL TEAM NEWS

The Spanish side have had doubts over Samuel Chukwueze but there are high hopes he'll be involved in Poland. There has also been a question mark over the availability of on-loan Tottenham defender Juan Foyth. Etienne Capoue is back from suspension but there is no Vicente Iborra.

There is a big decision to be made in goal between first-choice Sergio Asenjo and Geronimo Rulli, who has been the keeper in the Europa League ties.

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