Despite finishing outside the European spots last season, Manchester United forced its way into the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. While Erik Ten Hag’s side would much prefer to be playing Champions League football, the Europa League presents a solid opportunity for European competition, as well as an automatic UCL bid for 2025/2026.
In the new-look 36-team system, Manchester United will play eight matches that determine seeding for the knockout rounds. A top 8 finish will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while those ranking 9-24 will participate in a play-off round to see who progresses in the competition.
Manchester United’s opponents are:
Rangers
Porto
PAOK
Fenerbahce
Bodo/Glimt
Viktoria Plzen
Twente
FCSB.
United will not play home and away against each team like in the past but will have four home and four away against these opponents.
One match stands out for the storylines. Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is the man in charge of the Fenerbahce, while former Red Fred is also at the club. Sofyan Amrabat, who was at United on loan last season, has just agreed to join the Turkish side, creating a clear connection between the Yellow Canaries and Manchester United.
United will have a lot to play for when the Europa League season kicks off next month. Can the Reds bring it home for the first time since the 2016/2017 season?
United Beyond Manchester 
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