Villarreal boss Unai Emery has admitted he 'wouldn't rule out a surprise' from Manchester United's Champions League group.
United lost on penalties to Emery's Villarreal in the Europa League final in Gdansk last season and the two sides are set to rekindle their rivalry this term after being drawn in the same Champions League group stage in which the Reds were favourites to win.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 to BSC Young Boys on Tuesday night after Aaron Wan-Bissaka's red card changed the complexion of that opening game, though, and that means the group is now 'complicated', according to former Arsenal manager Emery.
Despite Villarreal drawing 2-2 with Atalanta in midweek, Emery sent a warning to United after that match, claiming that teams in Europe actually have 'a touch more motivation' than their English adversaries in the Champions League.
“This group gets complicated with Young Boys beating Manchester United," Emery told Villarreal's in-house media.
"I wouldn’t rule out a surprise, because I’ve already experienced them in the Champions League and in the Europa League.
"Teams in Europe have a touch more motivation. Young Boys are group leaders, and Man United, who are the favourites, are last.
"Atalanta and Villarreal are there, fighting for our space. Every game played makes it that little bit harder.”
