Man Utd given boost as 30-goal Villarreal star is doubtful for Champions League clash

Following the surprising defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League, Manchester United’s first in the competition this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side are back in action in the Champions League.

Manchester United are already up against it in the prestigious tournament, having lost their opening group game against Swiss minnows Young Boys roughly two weeks ago.

The disappointing result in Switzerland left United bottom of their group but they have an immediate shot at redemption as two home games await Solskjaer’s side. United welcome Villarreal to Old Trafford in four days, a repeat of last season’s agonising Europa League final.

The Spanish outfit has, however, been dealt a huge blow ahead of the clash against United as star striker Gerard Moreno is doubtful for the encounter. Moreno scored in the Europa League final in May and boasted a remarkable 30-goal season (Transfermarkt).

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According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, Moreno is at the risk of missing out on Villarreal’s trip to Old Trafford due to injury. The 29-year-old missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Real Madrid due to the issue.

The news will be welcomed by Solskjaer, who will take every little bit of help he can get as he prepares to enter a ruthless run of fixtures. The clash against Villarreal is the penultimate fixture before the second international break of the season but the Reds will face Leicester, Manchester City, and Chelsea in quick succession after the interval.

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