28 September 2021, 09:15 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The UEFA Champions League Group F fixture, Manchester United vs. Villarreal C.F. kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, September 29 at Old Trafford. Felix Zwayer (GER) will be in charge of the game while working alongside assistant referees Rafael Foltyn (GER) and Marco Achmüller (GER). Christian Dingert (GER) will be in the VAR room.
Preview Manchester United Champions League, Sep 29, 2021
Preview The Red Devils return to the UEFA Champions League after the shocking 2-1 defeat to BSC Young Boys on Matchday 1 at the Stadion Wankdorf. Cristiano Ronaldo (13') bagged his 135th goal in the tournament well before the Red Devils were reduced to ten men following Wan-Bissaka's red card in the 35th minute. The right-back had caught Young Boy's Christopher Martins with an excessive challenge spotted with the help of the VAR. Having the numerical advantage, Young Boys levelled the scoreline through Moumi Ngamaleu (66') before completing the comeback through Theoson Siebatcheu (90+5') deep into stoppage time after a wayward back-pass by Jesse Lingard. Following the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær came under increased pressure, with a section of the fans calling for the axe ahead of Tuesday's presser for the upcoming game against the Yellow Submarine. The defeat to BSC Young Boys leaves United at the bottom end of Group F with no points and a G.D. of -1 after 0W, 0D & 1L. With three defeats in five games across all competitions, WLWLL, Ole will try to avoid another on Wednesday. United has picked up only 16 victories in 62 UEFA matches against Spanish opposition (16W, D24, & L22) in the recent past. On Wednesday, the familiar 4—2—3—1 formation with Ronaldo at the top of the design may be seen. The Portuguese ace will be in the hunt for his 17th UCL goal for the Red Devils. On availability, Wan-Bissaka is suspended while Rashford continues working towards full fitness.
Preview Villarreal Champions League, Sep 29, 2021
Preview Villarreal picked up a 2-2 draw against Atalanta on Matchday 1 at El Madrigal. Freuler (6') gave the visitors an early lead just after six minutes of play, but Trigueros (39') gave Villarreal the equalizer just before the break. Arnaut Danjuma (73') put Villarreal ahead before Robin Gosens (83') made it 2-2. The draw leaves Villarreal with a point and in 3rd place in Group F after 0W, 1D & 0L. Over the weekend, Villarreal picked up a goalless draw against Real Madrid, leaving them with their third in five games across all competitions: LDDWD. A 4—3—3 formation could be seen on Wednesday with Paco Alcácer, Gerard Moreno and Santos in attack. With the exception of the Nigerian, Samuel Chukwueze, who remains unavailable for this fixture having suffered a hamstring injury, Unai Emery will have a fully fit squad ahead of Matchday 2.