It wasn’t to be for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as his search for a trophy as manager of the club goes rambling on.

An overall disappointing night of football, the Red Devils rarely kicked into gear. Edinson Cavani’s relentless energy and work ethic allowed him to score the equaliser, but the players around him were flat and out of ideas.

It must be said that Unai Emery cultivated his group of players exceptionally well and kept to the game plan for the duration of the final. It might not have been the pretties footballing exhibition that fans have seen, but Emery knew a chink in Solskjaer’s armour and pressed hard on it.

Even with the second-place finish in the Premier League PINC , it has been an underwhelming season to say the least for the Norwegian’s side, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and EFL Cup in quick succession.

The Europa League was a saving grace for the campaign, but with Harry Maguire’s injury that occurred in the weeks leading up to the final, it was always going to be an uphill battle in keeping the same level of defensive organisation and composure.

If Manchester United have hopes of closing the gap on their across-town rivals in Manchester City for next season’s Premier League, major reinforcements will be needed in the team, starting with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

The England international is valued at £80 million, compared to last summer’s £100 million, which seems a reasonable amount even in a COVID-impacted market. Man United need more attacking options to break down low block defences, such as Villarreal’s was, and Sancho has shown his ability to play both counter attacking football and in tight areas.

Alongside Sancho, there is rightful talk of West Ham United’s Declan Rice, who has been coveted by major teams in England and now in Europe. The Hammers’ captain, 22, has enjoyed a stellar campaign and will be a mainstay in the Three Lions’ team under Gareth Southgate this summer.

With his international experiences, it will only increase his valuation, which is already said to be north of £80 million. Of course, with the defensive midfielder being English, his price tag is already extortionate, which is putting off several Premier League sides from making a move early in the transfer window.

There is now also talk of a new goalkeeper at Manchester United, with both David de Gea and Dean Henderson under scrutiny. Emotions are still raw from the lost final in Gdansk, but there is a genuine feeling that the Spain international will be moved on in the summer if a club is willing to come to the table.

It has been a difficult season troubled with injuries and inconsistency, but if Manchester United are to reclaim top spot in England, it must start by backing the manager this summer and bringing in the much-desired quality needed.