MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a rough Europa League draw against one of the best teams in Europe if they don’t top their group.
United have already punched their ticket to the knockout stages but are second in Group E with three points separating them from table-toppers Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils, though, will have the chance to overtake Sociedad on Thursday at the Anoeta Stadium and win the group, which also includes Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia.
However, Erik ten Hag’s men will have to win by a two-goal margin after losing 1-0 at Old Trafford in September.
The Manchester giants obviously need to win this match and if they do by only one goal then they finish second on goal difference.
That would pose as quite an unfortunate development as United would then face one of the Champions League teams that finished third in their respective groups.
Therefore, the Red Devils are facing the prospect of clashing against the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the Europa League play-offs, before the Last-16.
That could also set up an Old Trafford comeback for ex-United star Paul Pogba if his former club draw Juve.
Barca have been eliminated from the Champions League for the second year in a row but still have a strong team with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Rafinha and Frenkie de Jong at Xavi’s disposal.
The likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico and record winners Sevilla pose as favourites to win the Europa League.
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Other potential opponents include Ajax, Rangers, Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille, AC Milan, Red Bull Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk and Maccabi Haifa.
However, United will first have to focus on Sunday’s Premier League home clash against West Ham.
