David de Gea missed the decisive penalty in Villarreal's 11-10 shootout win over Manchester United on 24 May 2021, ending United's four-year trophy drought and handing Unai Emery a record fourth Europa League title. The Spanish club won their first major trophy after a 1-1 draw in Gdansk, with De Gea’s failed spot-kick sealing United’s sixth loss in seven shootout attempts.
What happened in the Europa League final?
Villarreal took the lead through Gerard Moreno’s 29th-minute header, equaling Giuseppe Rossi’s club scoring record. Edinson Cavani leveled for Manchester United early in the second half after a chaotic scramble from a corner. The match stayed 1-1 through extra time, with both goalkeepers — De Gea and Geronimo Rulli — standing tall until the shootout.
Why did David de Gea’s miss matter?
De Gea was the last United player to take a penalty in the 21st round. His effort was saved by Rulli, ending the longest shootout in European final history. It was the first time De Gea had missed a penalty in his career under competitive pressure. The error extended United’s trophy drought and intensified scrutiny over their mental resilience in high-stakes moments.
How did Villarreal dominate the shootout?
All 21 penalties were converted before De Gea’s miss. Villarreal’s composure was flawless: Moreno, Parejo, and Trigueros all scored under extreme pressure. Rulli, their goalkeeper, saved three penalties total — including De Gea’s — and became the hero of a historic night. Unai Emery’s tactical discipline and squad depth outclassed United’s fatigue-stricken lineup.
What comes next for David de Gea?
De Gea’s miss cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar season, where he kept 14 clean sheets in 37 Premier League appearances. With his contract expiring in 2023, the defeat raised questions about his future at Old Trafford. United fans debated whether he remained the right choice between the posts, especially with Dean Henderson waiting in the wings.
How did the match unfold beyond penalties?
Villarreal’s youth star Yeremy Pino broke Iker Casillas’ record as the youngest Spanish player to start a European final. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes missed gilt-edged chances in open play. Paul Pogba played a deeper role, while Fred came on for Greenwood after 100 minutes. The rain-soaked pitch and physical toll of extra time made every pass and save feel heavier than the last.