The Europa League group stage has come to a close and Manchester United qualified as expected. But they haven't made it easy for themselves after they could only finish second, meaning they now face an extra playoff round before they can progress further.
United faced Real Sociedad in San Sebastian last week knowing a win by two or more goals would have clinched top spot, but they could only secure a 1-0 win through Alejandro Garnacho's goal.
The play-off round is a new addition to this year's competition. The eight runners-up from the Europa League will be seeded, while the eight third-placed teams from the Champions League group stage are unseeded; this means that no team from the same competition will play each other.
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So what else do United fans need to know about the upcoming draw?
When is the draw?
Date: Nov 7, 2022
Time: 12pm GMT / 7am ET / 4:30pm IST
Venue: UEFA HQ, Nyon
The draw will take place after the final round of Champions League and Europa League fixtures have been concluded and the teams that will be taking part have been confirmed. The draw will be available to watch on UEFA's official website and we'll be covering it live here on the Manchester Evening News website.
When will the matches be played?
The two matches will amount to another two fixtures for United if they end up in it. The first leg will be played on February 16th and the second will be played on February 23rd - United will be at home for the second leg.
Who could United play?
As the Champions League group stages have now come to a close, the teams that United could face in the Europa League playoff have been confirmed. And it is a potential minefield for Ten Hag's side to navigate given the quality of teams that have fallen into the competition.
From La Liga, Barcelona (surprisingly) and Sevilla are in the pot. Xavi's side will be the team that most teams are hoping to avoid but United can take solace in the fact that Atletico Madrid finished bottom of their group and they will not be part of the Europa League playoffs.
Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Lisbon are also confirmed. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will be raring for the reunion with their former side.
Ajax have also dropped into the Europa League setting up a potentially great narrative-based clash between them and United. Ten Hag returning to Amsterdam alongside Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Full list of possible playoff opponents:
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