Paul Scholes has already given verdict on Man Utd…

Paul Scholes has already given verdict on Man Utd facing Barcelona in Europa League

Paul Scholes has already described Manchester United's mouth-watering Europa League draw with Barcelona as a clash that will "get the juices flowing" - but admitted he hoped it was a tie the Red Devils would avoid.

United discovered their fate in Monday's draw for the Europa League last-16 play-offs when they were paired with the Catalan giants, who were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage. Both sides will be competing for a place in the last-16 where the Europa League group winners, including Arsenal, are waiting.

But a trip to the Camp Nou is arguably the toughest obstacle United would have to overcome from their potential opponents after they failed to seal top slot in their group after missing out to Real Sociedad on goal difference. Speaking after United's group runner-up place was confirmed last week, Scholes was asked who he would want his old side to face in the next round.

"I would love them to draw Barcelona to get the juices flowing and get a good atmosphere," the pundit declared on BT Sport. "I think they are capable of beating Barcelona."

However, Scholes quickly backtracked, admitting: "On the other hand, they are a really good team. As much as I want to play them, they are probably the team you want to avoid."

Scholes came up against Barcelona on numerous occasions as a player, twice losing in the Champions League final to the Spanish club, while also netting the winner in the 2007/08 semi-final clash at Old Trafford before United went on to claim the trophy.

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Both sides have changed dramatically in the years since, though Barca still boast a star-studded squad, including the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and young talent Pedri, as well as United's summer transfer target Frenkie de Jong. Barca are currently challenging for the LaLiga title, while United are struggling for form in the Premier League, and Scholes' former team-mate Owen Hargreaves agreed it would have been better for the Red Devils not to face them.

"I would want to avoid Barcelona because that could be a really hard game. Get them in the final," Hargreaves quipped. "They are all really good footballing sides with some good managers. In all fairness, there is no easy draw for Manchester United. In the end they will be the favourites outside of Barcelona."

United will have to keep Barcelona's star man Robert Lewandowski quiet if they are to progress (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)

Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Ajax were among the other clubs United could have met in the play-off round, while former manager Jose Mourinho is also bidding for a place in the next phase with Roma.

The play-off first legs are scheduled to take place on 16 February, with the second legs taking place just a week later on 23 February.

Should United progress then there will not be much preparation time for the Red Devils with the following last-16 ties taking place on March 9 and 16.