Manchester United have drawn Real Sociedad in the last sixteen of the Europa League.
It is possibly the most difficult draw United could have expected, but they will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
Although a historically tough opponent, Sociedad are on a bad run of form at the moment, having lost five out of their last six games in La Liga.
On the other hand, their cup form is impressive, having won their last four ties.
Playing in San Sebastian in the away leg will put United tantalisingly close to the venue for the final in Bilbao, just down the road.
If United overcome their Basque opponents, they will play either FCSB or Olympic Lyonnais in the quarter final.
The semi-final draw was also completed, so should United advance that far, they now know they would play Fenerbahce, Roma, Athletic Club or Rangers.
A draw against the Turkish side would mean the return of José Mourinho, Sofyan Amrabat and Fred to Old Trafford.
The draw outcome means United would not face Spurs until at least the final.
The Europa League represents United’s only realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League as they are now all but mathematically certain not to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
It also represents one of the Red Devils’ only two chances of silverware this season, with the FA Cup being the only other competition in which they are left.
The full round of 16 draw is:
Olympiacos vs FC Bodo/Glimt
Fenerbahce vs Rangers
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax
Olympic Lyonnais vs FCSB
AZ Alkmaar vs Spurs
Athletic Club vs Roma
Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio
The round of 16 ties will take place on the 6th and 13th March.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
