2016/17 Europa League winners Manchester United find themselves in the company of Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonoia in Group E of the group stage draw. Meanwhile, Arsenal have been drawn along with PSV Eindhoven, FK Bodo/Glimt, and FC Zurich in Group A.
The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season and despite being in danger of missing out on European football altogether at one point, they managed to qualify for Europe’s second most important tournament.
Erik ten Hag’s side were drawn in Group E of the Europa League this season where they will face tricky fixtures against Spain’s Real Sociedad, Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol, and Cypriot outfit Omonoia Nicosia standing between them and qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.
If Cristiano Ronaldo does end up staying at Old Trafford by the time the transfer window comes to a close, it will see him making his first appearance in the Europa League/UEFA Cup since 2002, when he took part against Partizan Belgrade for Sporting CP at the age of 17.
Sheriff Tiraspol have already earned themselves the reputation of being underdogs with their heroics against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League group stage last season. They stole an unlikely 2-1 win over Ronaldo’s former side at the Santiago Bernabeu last season and will be expecting a positive result at the Old Trafford.
Group E will also see Manchester City legend David Silva making the trip back to Manchester, this time as a Real Sociedad player.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League table, have been drawn in Group A alongside PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich.
The draw ensures Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return as a manager after he enjoyed an intense and five-year rivalry with the club during his time at Old Trafford.
The Europa League group stages begin on September 8 and will go up to November 3, finishing just a few weeks before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The knockout stages of the competition will commence from February 16, and the final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 31.
