De Gea ‘didn’t look like saving a penalty’ vs Villarreal – Scholes

David De Gea “didn’t look like saving a penalty” as Manchester United lost a dramatic Europa League Final shootout to Villarreal in Gdansk.

United’s wait for their first trophy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes on after De Gea’s spot-kick was saved at the end of a wild shootout that saw Villarreal crowned Europa League champions.

On the same day 22 years ago, the Norwegian wrote himself into club folklore when turning home at the death as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side fought back to win the Champions League and complete the treble.

But May 26, 2021 did not provide another triumphant chapter in United’s success-laden story, with the match ending 1-1 and going to a penalty shootout after Edinson Cavani cancelled out Gerard Moreno’s opener.

All outfield players scored their spot-kicks, as did Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli before saving De Gea’s penalty to win the shootout 11-10 and secure the first major trophy in their history.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes admitted De Gea had not come close to saving any of the Spanish side’s efforts.

He told BT Sport: “Once you get to penalties, anything can happen, we know that.

Corte a De Gea falla un penal y el United pierde la final 🤐

Parece que Paul Scholes no esperaba la campanada del Villarreal sobre los Red Devils 😳#UELFinal #UELxESPNhttps://t.co/2qrfDPuADC pic.twitter.com/u3uJXo24aE

— Fuera de Juego (@ESPN_FDJ) May 26, 2021

Read Also: BREAKING: Villarreal win Europa League after beating Man United in final

“I always feel a little bit worried, being an Englishman, that we’re going to be on the wrong side of it.

“But I have to say, David – we spoke about his record before it – he didn’t look like saving a penalty.

“They got a little bit lucky with Luke Shaw’s penalty as well.

“It’s a difficult night to take, but give Villarreal credit.”