In the final, they met first-time finalists Villarreal, United's third Spanish opposition this season. The clubs previously met four times, in the 2005–06 and 2008–09 Champions League group stages. All ended in goalless draws. The final was held on 26 May 2021, on the 22nd anniversary of the now-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær's winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final and also would have been the 112th birthday of former manager Matt Busby, who won the club its first European title in 1968. This match ended in a 1–1 draw after 120 minutes; Gerard Moreno stroke first before Cavani equalises in 55th minute. David de Gea became the last kicker in the penalties and the only one failed to score, as his was saved by Gerónimo Rulli, handing Villarreal their first ever major trophy and their head coach Unai Emery, formerly of Arsenal, his record fourth UEFA Cup/Europa League title, surpassing three-time winner Giovanni Trapattoni. Some of the team were later criticised on social media for removing their silver medal on field, or even refused to wear one. Those who removed their medals were Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe, Pogba, Brandon Williams, Victor Lindelöf, Scott McTominay, Lee Grant, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diallo, Eric Bailly and Solskjær, while Fernandes and Greenwood simply received the medal with their hand.