Europa League final Manchester United not the favourites, says Forlan

GDANSK: Manchester United are not favourites against 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 said.

"People say Manchester United due to its history, what it means, and for being such a big club. No doubt it is. However, for the game, the past is useless, what counts is the present, the performance itself. That's why players for Manchester United are careful, because they know they can win but also they can lose, 50-50. Maybe people are underrating what Villarreal history has. It is a team who always compete very well. They play very good football and they can hurt Manchester United." IANS

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