The Europa League trophy Manchester United are still gunning for.(Image: UEFA via Getty Images). Manchester United are a step closer to knowing who they will play in the Europa League knock-out stages as the remaining play-off fixtures are completed tonight.. The Europa League, just like the Champions League, undertook a major revamp this season expanding to 36 clubs. Each team was divided into four pots – with the sides then playing two unique opponents from each one.. After eight matches, the top eight in the league table qualified automatically for the last-16 round. Those finishing ninth to 24th moved into the play-offs – while 25th and below were eliminated out of Europe.. United finished up in third and they had their potential last-16 opponents narrowed down to four opponents immediately as their league position matched them up with Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar and FC Midtjylland. AZ Alkmaar are heavy favourites to qualify for the knock-out stage having secured a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the first leg of their play-off tie – and they travel to Istanbul tonight as they look to defend that three-goal advantage.. Real Sociedad and FC Midtjylland is more in the balance with the Spanish side 2-1 up after the first leg in Denmark. The winners of the play-off ties will then be pitted against either United, or Tottenham Hotspur, during the Europa League draw on Friday afternoon (1pm).. Article continues below. The draw shall unveil the full path for United – if they are to reach the final in Bilbao at the end of the season. The first leg of the last-16 clash will be played on Thursday, March 6, with the reverse fixture a week later on March 13.. Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N’s unrivalled Manchester United coverage.. No adverts, pop-ups or distractions – just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible.. Comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the Reds, with agenda-setting breaking news and insight from Samuel Luckhurst and our authoritative team of United writers. Exclusive content for subscribers. New interactive elements including (coming soon) quizzes to test your United knowledge.. Try MUFC Pro for a front-row seat to the action at absolutely no cost for the first month. You can get started by downloading our app here on iPhone, or here on Android. If you already have our app, click on the ”MUFC Pro’,’ Subscribe’ or ‘ Remove ads’ links.. *Free trial auto renews at £19.99 annually unless cancelled. T&C’s apply. Ad-free indicates that you will not be shown standard display ad formats with the articles that you read, selected articles may contain commercial messages/affiliate links where contractually required.
