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.
