Barcelona, Juventus among possible opponents for Manchester United in Europa League playoff

Manchester United could be drawn against either Barcelona or Juventus in the Europa League knockout round playoffs, with the club missing the chance to automatically qualify for the round of 16.

The Red Devils won five of their six matches in Group E to collect 15 points, including a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in Thursday night's contest in Spain.

Erik ten Hag's side had to triumph by two goals against the La Liga outfit in order to top the section, though, and the result has therefore seen them finish second, meaning that they will have to navigate a knockout round playoff clash in order to advance to the next stage.

The draw for the playoffs will take place on Monday, with the first legs to be played on February 16 before the second legs on February 23.

Man United can be drawn against eight teams that have dropped down from the Champions League, including Barcelona and Juventus, who were unable to qualify for the last-16 stage of Europe's leading competition.

© Reuters

Juventus finished third in Group H behind Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain, while Barcelona were third in Group C behind Inter Milan and Barcelona.

Man United can also face Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla, Sporting Lisbon, Red Bull Salzburg and Shakhtar Donetsk in the playoffs in February.

Ajax were third in Group A behind Napoli and Ajax, while Leverkusen claimed third in Group B ahead of Atletico Madrid, with Porto and Club Brugge progressing in the Champions League.

Sevilla were third in Group G, while Sporting and Salzburg claimed third in Group D and Group E respectively, with the duo also possible opponents for the 20-time English champions.

Shakhtar could also be drawn against Man United, with the Ukrainian giants finishing third in Group F behind the Champions League holders Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.

© Reuters

"That is not a problem, that is not a problem," Fernandes told MUTV after the match with Real Sociedad when asked about the teams that they could face.

"Because this team is pleased to do that kind of games. We are ready to play wherever the opponent is, we are ready for everything, but our main focus, as I said before, has to be the league. We have a big game to carry the momentum and we have to win that game."

Man United have another three matches before the campaign breaks for the World Cup, taking on Aston Villa in the Premier League and EFL Cup over the next week, before travelling to Fulham in England's top flight on November 13.

Possible opponents for Man United:

Ajax
Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen
Juventus
Red Bull Salzburg
Sevilla
Sporting Lisbon
Shakhtar Donetsk