Manchester United made it through the new look Europa League unbeaten.
While the 1-1 draw against FC Twente back in September felt like a defeat, Manchester United have negotiated every group stage match without a loss.
This included a last minute equaliser to draw 3-3 vs Porto, and managing to draw against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce while playing Noussair Mazraoui as number ten.
Since then it has been five consecutive wins vs PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Plzen, Rangers and FCSB. It’s not the Champions League – but it’s noteworthy United are the only team in he group stages without a single loss.
Europa League next round
Manchester United finished third, crucially inside the top eight. This netted an extra £500,000 bonus in prize money.
And it also effectively gives a ‘bye’ past the last 32 playoff knockout round, removing two fixture dates from the calendar, giving Ruben Amorim much-needed extra time on the training pitch.
Now after the Friday 31 draw, Manchester United’s opponents for the next round of the Europa League are narrowed down to two.
- AZ Alkmaar
- Galatasaray
The two teams face off in February, with the winner facing United in the last 16.
United’s next Europa League fixtures
Manchester United will now not play in the Europa League until March, with last 16 games being played on the 6th and 13th.
This provides some respite for United’s players between now and then, and United will be optimistic of progression whoever we face.
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