Man United’s mentality slammed by Paul Scholes after chastening Europa League final defeat

Paul Scholes tore into Manchester United’s mentality following their shock Europa League final defeat against Villarreal, claiming losing has ‘almost become an accepted thing’ at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side headed into the final as big favourites coming up against a Villarreal team who finished seventh in LaLiga, but Unai Emery’s men stunned their opponents to seal Europa League glory in Gdansk.

Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the surprise lead in the 29th minute before United rallied back through Edinson Cavani but they failed to grasp the momentum and succumbed to a dramatic 11-10 defeat during the penalty shootout, with David de Gea missing the final spot-kick.

Manchester United were stunned by Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wait for silverware as United manager goes on after defeat in Gdansk

United great Scholes was stunned by what he witnessed in Poland, and slammed his former side for becoming too nice a club under Solskjaer.

‘It’s difficult to come out of that game and give them credit, they weren’t good tonight,’ Scholes told BT Sport following the final whistle.  

‘Overall there has been progress. But does losing hurt them enough? It’s almost become an accepted thing. From Ole’s point of view, where is the demands?

‘He has made progress, but this club expects to win trophies. If it gets into the next couple of years and it’s still nothing he might have a problem. There aren’t the demands there where he has to win. 

‘A few players, it doesn’t hurt them. Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, they won’t like it. They look like they’re proper hurt, the others it can look acceptable, even from the manager. They’ve become a nice club.’

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes slammed the side’s mentality after the chastening loss

After finishing second in the Premier League, the Red Devils were expected to cap off their season with success in Europe.

But Villarreal boss Emery worked his magic yet again to seal his fourth Europa League triumph in just eight seasons.

And Solskjaer’s wait for his first piece of silverware as United manager goes on, and a long summer is ahead.   

Following the final whistle, United forward Marcus Rashford admitted the club had passed up a great opportunity but insisted their failure will make them even hungrier heading into the new season.

‘In one word, it’s disappointing,’ Rashford said. ‘But there’s no chance this team will give up, we’ll come back next season with a bigger desire.’

Unai Emery has now clinched a remarkable fourth Europa League in just eight seasons