Manchester United have been drawn against Real Betis in the Europa League round of 16.
Despite all the problems domestically, Manchester United have actually enjoyed a fruitful season to date in Europe. In the league phase of the Europa League, United finished third which handed Ruben Amorim a play-off bye.
It meant a deserved break from the Sunday-Thursday schedule after United were the only team in Europe to remain unbeaten in the top two competitions, and will now be hoping this record continues in the next stage of the Europa League.
The round of 16 draw took place on Friday, with two potential options available to United – AZ Alkmaar or Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, the entire route to the final was also made clear.
United have drawn Sociedad in the Europa League with the first leg set to be played in Spain, a site where United have not enjoyed good times in recent history. However, there are some good examples for United to draw upon.
Alejandro Garnacho’s first Manchester United goal came against Real Sociedad
If United are to make it all the way to the final in Bilbao, some blockbuster ties await Amorim and his Red Devils.
The quarter-final would hypothetically see United face Lyon or a repeat of the visit to FCSB earlier this season. Meanwhile, the semi-final could be against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce for the second time this season, Rangers, the host city of the final or Roma – all of which are big clashes.
But first, it is Sociedad and a return to the Reale Arena for Alejandro Garnacho who will have fond memories of this tie.
Garnacho’s first goal for United came against Sociedad in 2022, and so it is a venue he will always remember as he and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated together following the goal.
Garnacho has been left excited by the news of the draw and took to Instagram with a message.
Alejandro Garnacho sends message after Europa League draw
Garnacho scoring against Sociedad saw his United career completely lift off as he played a far bigger role going forward than he did before – which has led to him being the first team player he is today.
| Player | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Alejandro Garnacho | 124 | 23 | 15 |
United’s number 17 reacted to the draw fairly quickly on his Instagram story with a four-word message.
“Good memories… Let’s go”, Garnacho wrote with a winky face and also a flexing emoji.
Garnacho will be keen to make further good memories in this tie as the Europa League is shaping up as United’s best chance of securing European football next season.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/gCZjJL5