The draw for the group stage of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League campaign has been made this lunchtime, meaning Manchester United and Arsenal have discovered who they will face in the opening stage of the competition.
The draw, which was conducted in Istanbul, has given each of the 32 clubs involved in the competition a clearer idea of how their respective path to the final could look, as they each go in search of European glory. United and Arsenal were the only two English sides involved in the draw and are the favourites to win the competition.
United, who remain determined to sign Antony from Dutch giants Ajax, were relegated to the Europa League this season after failing to qualify for the Champions League last term. They finished sixth in the Premier League, one place below Arsenal.
READ MORE: UEFA Europa League draw LIVE
United were also joined in the draw by Italian giants Roma. However, there was no chance of the Reds going toe-to-toe with Jose Mourinho's side as they were both drawn from the same pot.
United have been drawn into Group E and have been joined by Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia. Arsenal, who were the first team drawn out of the hat, will feature in Group A and battle it out with PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich for one of the two spots that will secure a place in the first knockout round of the competition.
Roma, who are also considered one of the favourites to taste Europa League success this season, will headline Group C. They have been joined by Ludogorets Razgrad, Real Betis and HJK Helsinki.
Elsewhere, Italian outfit Lazio have been joined in the same group as last season's UEFA Europa Conference League runners-up Feyenoord. They will battle it out in Group F.
Europa League group stage draw in full:
Group A: Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt & FC Zurich.
Group B: Dinamo Kyiv, Rennes, Fenerbahce & AEK Larnaca.
Group C: AS Roma, Ludogorets Razgrad, Real Betis & HJK Helsinki.
Group D: SC Braga, Malmo FF, Union Berlin & Union Saint-Gilloise.
Group E: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol & Omonia Nicosia.
Group F: Lazio, Feyenoord, FC Midtjylland & Sturm Graz.
Group G: Olympiakos, Qarabag, SC Freiburg & Nantes.
Group H: Red Star Belgrade, AS Monaco, Ferencvaros & Trabzonspor.
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