Manchester United will be forced to play a Round of 16 play-off tie to secure their place in the next stage of the Europa League.
The Reds were only one goal away from automatic progression on Thursday night as they faced Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena.
United overturned the Spaniards 1-0, with 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho scoring his first goal just a week after making his senior debut. Two goals would have been enough to avoid the play-off stage.
United will face a third-placed Champions League team and could play the likes of Barcelona and Juventus. They will find out their fate on Monday, November 7.
Whilst added fixture congestion amongst an already hectic schedule is not ideal, Erik ten Hag has identified a positive of the two extra matches. He said (via the Man Utd website): “We have a lot of games, that’s clear, but it’s also an opportunity for this squad to develop and to get into the process.
“Players like to play matches, rather than training, so, in that matter, it is also an advantage.”
United in form
The Reds are in fine form as of late and will want to keep the momentum high heading into the World Cup break. Their next match is a trip to Villa Park on Sunday in Unai Emery’s first match as Aston Villa manager.
