Paul McGrath couldn't see past Manchester United in Wednesday's Europa League final.
The Republic of Ireland great believed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men would have "too much firepower, class and experience" for Villarreal, but did warn the Norwegian what his side must not to.
McGrath stressed that the only way he could see United getting into difficulty was by conceding an early goal and giving the Spanish side "a real foothold in the match".
Writing in The Irish Independent prior to the game, the former Red Devils defender stated: "In Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford, they surely have too much firepower, class and experience for Villarreal.
"As long as those players step up to the occasion and produce the touches of quality we know they are capable of, it ought to be United’s night.
"Somehow conceding a silly early goal and giving Villarreal a real foothold in the match is the only way I can see United getting into difficulty in the tie."
And that's exactly what happened.
Villarreal took the lead after half an hour when Gerard Moreno got the better of a static defence to turn home a free-kick, with both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly left looking on.
The goal had come largely against the run of play, but with United struggling to turn their possession into decent chances they were left frustrated by a rugged defence.
It was Cavani who levelled the scores early in the second period when he turned home a poacher's effort, with Marcus Rashford soon missing a great chance to make it 2-1.
United then tired badly in the second period, with the match petering out into a penalty shootout.
David de Gea missed the decisive spot kick as the goalkeeper saw the 22nd penalty of a mammoth shootout saved by Villarreal stopper Geronimo Rulli.
