Manchester United have been handed a tie against Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 32, while Arsenal have landed Benfica, and Tottenham will face Wolfsberger.
United will travel to the Anoeta to face current La Liga leaders Real Sociedad after dropping into Europe’s second-tier competition following their Champions League exit.
The Red Devils made it through to the semi-finals last season only to be beaten by eventual winners Sevilla, and are among the favourites to win the trophy again come May, but Sociedad will likely provide a stern test of their credentials.
Arsenal have also been handed a tough draw against Portuguese giants Benfica, who are currently sitting second in the Primeira Liga. The Gunners will be protecting a 100 per cent record when they take on Jorge Jesus’s side, having won all six of their matches in Group B.
Meanwhile, two-time Europa League winner Jose Mourinho’s bid to deliver long-awaited silverware at Tottenham will continue at Wolfsberger, who have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far.
Elsewhere, Leicester, the final Premier League club in the draw, will tackle Czech Republic outfit Slavia Prague and Steven Gerrard’s Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers will come up against Belgian side Royal Antwerp. Continue reading