Villarreal’s Emery admits United are Europa League favourites

VILLARREAL manager Unai Emery has conceded that his side will be the underdogs in the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday.

The Spanish club are gunning for their first-ever European trophy as they face the 2017 winners of the Europa League.

However, Emery says his side are ready for the challenge in Gdansk, Poland.

“A few months ago we said Manchester United were favourites for the competition,” Emery said during his press conference on Tuesday.

“Now we are candidates for this title and play against the favourites.
They have good players, history and experience. We have a very strong recent history to deserve these moments.”

The Spaniard, who has reached the Europa League final four times, winning thrice with Sevilla and losing once with Arsenal, is confident his Villarreal side will give United a run for their money.

“If United are the favourites it’s because they have very good footballers, they have a
great history, but we have arguments to be a real candidate to win here in Gdansk,” he added.

“United, at their best, can beat anyone. But we have our ‘pros’. We’ve analysed United closely and the key is to take our opportunities when they come.”

Emery has reached more Europa League finals than any other manager in the competition’s history as he chases his fourth trophy in the competition.

Villarreal are unbeaten in the competition this season.