“I was a bit unfortunate last time, I wasn’t there,” he told reporters at the pre-match press conference, in reference to missing our 2017 triumph. “This season, especially now there’s, personally in my opinion, much more confidence and belief in the squad that we’re improving as a team. This is the next step [on Wednesday night] to go out and show that we’re going in the right direction. There’s a lot of confidence and belief that we’re taking the right steps and this is another step in the right direction.
“A [winners] medal would mean a great deal. It’s something that when you come to Manchester United you look to win trophies. We’ve missed out on a few trophies in the last few years and I know how disappointed the lads have been. So there is a massive incentive to go out there and obviously enjoy it, but leave everything out on the pitch to win it.
“I look around and everyone seems very relaxed, enjoying the moment being here in the final. We have not been in one for a while. I think most of the lads are just looking forward to getting out there. There is no need for nerves, we’re here for a reason, I think we deserve to be here. And on Wednesday night we just need to go out there and do what we’ve done to get here, and hopefully we can come back with the trophy. The last couple of days after the great win against Wolves we have studied Villarreal, but we need to focus on us and all the players will give everything to win this trophy and try to finish the season in a good way.”