Potential opponents Manchester United could face in Europa League

Manchester United are set to find out who they will face in the first stage of the 2024/25 Europa League in Friday’s draw. 

Despite a poor 8th-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign, the Red Devils secured Europa League qualification through their triumphant 2-1 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Manchester United previously won the competition in 2017 under Jose Mourinho with a 2-0 victory against an Ajax side that included new Red Devil Matthijs de Ligt.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came close to lifting the trophy in 2021 but suffered defeat in a penalty shoot-out against Umai Emery’s Villarreal.

This competition provides a good opportunity for Erik ten Hag to continue adding to his silverware at Old Trafford with the former Ajax coach lifting the EFL Cup and FA Cup during his time in the United hotseat.

Ten Hag’s side will be in pot one ahead of Friday’s draw, however, the new competition format means the Red Devils will face two teams from each of the four pots.

United will not be able to face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur but does have the prospect of facing some of the toughest opponents in the competition.

Some interesting ties could be made with former Manchester United manager Mourinho’s Fenerbache an option.

If Ajax are successful in their play-off, a return to Amsterdam for Ten Hag and several United players could be on the cards.

Tough teams that Manchester United could be drawn against