Manchester United must navigate their way through a two-legged play-off round to try and reach the Europa League last 16 after narrowly missing out on top spot in Group E - despite beating Real Sociedad 1-0 on Thursday evening in Spain.
Alejandro Garnacho, earning his second successive start in Europe, scored his first goal in United colours in the first half to scoop all three points and record a fifth successive Europa League win for the Reds. However, it was not enough to bag them top spot in the group and an automatic path to the last 16.
United had to beat the Spaniards, who won 1-0 at Old Trafford back in September, by two clear goals to win the group. Erik ten Hag's side threw everything at Sociedad in the closing stages to try and find the all-important second goal that they needed so desperately.
READ MORE: United player ratings vs Real Sociedad as Garnacho scores winner
Despite putting Harry Maguire up front for some extra strength and height, United fell short, meaning they must now get through a play-off round against a team that finished third in their respective Champions League group. If they emerge victorious from that tie, which will take place in February, they will join Sociedad and the seven other Europa League group winners in making up the last 16.
United, though, face the prospect of having to get past some of Europe's biggest heavyweights, including Spanish giants Barcelona and Italian heavyweights Juventus. They both finished a disappointing third in their Champions League groups and have now dropped into the Europa League.
As well as facing the prospect of going up against either of those two, United boss Ten Hag could also face a reunion with Ajax. They finished third in their Champions League group, falling short up against Napoli and Liverpool.
The five other clubs who have dropped into the Europa League are Red Bull Salzburg, Sevilla, Sporting Lisbon, Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk, all of whom could be pitted against the Reds. The draw will be conducted this coming Monday.
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