Man Utd to meet Barcelona in the Europa League

Manchester United have been drawn alongside Barcelona in the knockout play-off round of the Europa League.

The Red Devils completed their Europa League group stage campaign with 15 points, but finished second behind Real Sociedad on goal difference.

As a result, they failed to secure a direct entry into the round of 16 and will now need to earn their position by beating Barcelona across two legs.

It is far easier said than done. Barcelona have been transformed this term after the spending spree and they are currently first in the Spanish top-flight.

With a world-class striker in Robert Lewandowski up top, United have their work cut out in beating the Catalan giants to progress further in Europe.

The two teams are meeting for the first time since 2019. Back then, Barcelona beat United in the Champions League quarter-final (4-0 agg).

United will go into the ties as slight underdogs, but that could work in their favour as the pressure will be on Barcelona to reach the last 16.