Manchester United and Arsenal learned their European fate this afternoon following the draw for the UEFA Europa League group stage was made.
After the intriguing talking points thrown up from Thursday’s Champions League draw, attentions today turned to Europe’s second-tier tournament, with the draw for the Europa League taking place in Istanbul.
British interest comes in the form of Arsenal and Manchester United, with the pair having finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League last season and looking for European success.
United last won this competition back in 2017, while Arsenal lost to Chelsea in the final in 2019, and both sides come into the competition among the tournament favourites.
Arsenal’s hopes of progress were boosted after being handed a seemingly favourable group, with games against PSV Eindhoven, Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and Swiss outfit FC Zurich meaning there will be relatively short journeys for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Manchester United meanwhile will be pitted against Spain’s Real Sociedad, Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol – who famously beat Real Madrid last season, and Cypriot side, Omonoia.
Europa League draw in full
Group A: Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt, FC Zurich.
Group B: Dinamo Kiev, Rennes, Fenerbahce, AEK Larnaca
Group C: Roma, Ludogorets, Real Betis, HJK Helsinki
Group D: Braga, Malmo, Union Berlin, Union Saint-Gallois
Group E: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol, Omonoia
Group F: Lazio, Feyenoord, Midtjylland,Sturm Graz
Group G: Olympiakos, Qarabag, Freiburg, Nantes
Group H: Red Star Belgrade, Monaco, Ferencvaros, Trabzonspor
