The final was forced into extra-time after ending in a 1-1 draw, after which it progressed to a penalty shootout.

Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the lead in the 29th minute, but Edinson Cavani equalised early in the second half.

The tense penalty shootout ended 11-10 in favour of the Spanish team after goalkeeper, David de Gea, missed his spot-kick.

United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was responsible for one of the Red Devil's most famous European finals wins, expressed his and the team's disappointment in not being able to collect a sixth piece of continental silverware.

“It's quiet, a disappointed dressing room. That's football for you. Sometimes it's decided on one kick and that's the difference between winning and losing.

“We have to learn from that one, not savour this feeling but taste this feeling and make sure we don't get it again. We didn't turn up. We didn't play as well as we know we can. We started alright and they got the goal, their only shot on target. We were disappointed to concede a goal on a set play.

“We pushed, we pressed, we got a goal. After we scored, we didn't control the game or dominate as we wanted. They made it hard for us, they closed spaces. We had the majority of possession. They defended well. We didn't create enough big chances.

“Now is not the time to point the finger at what I'd have done differently. But when you come out without the trophy, you haven't done everything right.”

This was Villarreal's first major European trophy.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport