Manchester United’s path to progression in the 2021-22 Europa League is in the balance as the result of a tight group stage.
La Liga side Real Sociedad have proved to be United’s key rivals and the Spanish club’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in September cut the Premier League giants three points adrift.
A point at home to Moldovan club Sheriff would ensure United finish in the top two of Group E. Having seen off Sheriff again on Matchday 5 in a 3-0 win, top spot in the group now comes down to how many goals they score against leaders Real Sociedad in Spain in their final group match.
United now need to beat Sociedad by two goals to finish top of their group and avoid having to play a playoff round.
Here’s what you need to know about United’s prospects if they finish second when the group stage ends on November 3.
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How is Europa League round of 16 qualification decided?
The teams who finish first in each of the eight Europa League groups reach the round of 16 automatically.
The eight sides who finish second are placed in a draw with the eight teams who finish third in the Champions League group stage.
The eight runners-up from the Europa League group stage will be seeded in the draw, while their potential rivals from the Champions League group stage will be unseeded.
Clubs from the same association cannot be drawn against each other, which means United would not be drawn against Chelsea or Tottenham – the two English teams who could still finish third in their Champions League groups.
🔴 Manchester United = 5 games undefeated (all comps) 👊#UEL pic.twitter.com/P7WzXZeRPj
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 20, 2022
When is the Europa League knockout round?
The first leg of the two-legged knockout tie takes place on February 16, with the return leg played a week later.
The winners will play in the Europa League round of 16, which has legs taking place on March 9 and 16. The quarterfinals take place on April 13 and 20, with the semifinals on May 11 and 18 and the final on May 31.
When is the Europa League knockout round draw?
The draw will be held at UEFA’s House of European Football headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland in a ceremony starting at midday (BST) on November 7.
How to watch the Europa League knockout round draw
The draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com.
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Who could Man United play in the Europa League knockout round?
There are plenty of Champions League sides who could finish third in their group and end up being drawn against United.
Five-time Champions League winners Barcelona have finished third, even with a game to go, which could pit United on a path to play against long-term target Frenkie de Jong and lethal striker Robert Lewandowski, the reigning FIFA men’s player of the year.
Ajax, who United beat in the 2017 Europa League final, will finish third in their group so are also an option.
Wantaway United striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s first club, Sporting Lisbon, are also among a wide range of potential opponents. The final Champions League group stage matches will be played on November 2.
Here is the full list of opponents who could still drop down from the Champions League that United could face in a Europa League play-off if they finish second in their group.
- Ajax
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Barcelona
- Sporting Lisbon
- AC Milan
- RB Salzburg
- Dinamo Zagreb
- RB Leipzig
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Sevilla
- Juventus
- Maccabi Haifa
*The Sporting News will update this post after each Champions League round to reflect the teams United could draw.
