Manchester United drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier LeagueManchester United drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester United drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League | Getty Images
Manchester United already know who they could face in the Europa League quarter final
Manchester United know that a victory against Real Sociedad on Thursday night will be enough to secure their spot in the last eight of the Europa League. The Red Devils drew 1-1 in Spain last week after seeing Joshua Zirkzee’s opener cancelled out by a penalty from the home side.
With United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Europa League presents the club’s best chance to secure Champions League football next season. If United were to win the competition, it could mean there would be up to six English teams in the Champions League with the Premier League on course to be handed an extra qualification spot due to their strong UEFA season coefficient ranking.
As United look to get past Sociedad, thoughts will turn to the next round and who the Red Devils will face in the last eight - if they are successful against Sociedad. If Amorim’s side do qualify, there is also one player who is also facing a ban if cautioned on Thursday.
Who could United play in the Europa League quarter final?
If United advance with victory over Sociedad, French side Lyon or FCSB - formerly FC Steaua București - await in the last eight. When the draw for the last 16 was made, the entire tournament was mapped out. It means the Red Devils will also know by late on Thursday who their potential semi-final opponents could be - if they reach that point of the competition.
Lyon lead 3-1 from their first leg with FCSB, with the second leg to be played in France. The Ligue 1 club are heavy favourites to advance. United beat FCSB during the league phase as they won 2-0 in Romania at the end of January. Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo scored within eight minutes of each other to secure the win.
Providing United get there, there currently have four teams who they could meet in the semi-finals. They are Rangers, Fenerbahce, Athletic Club and AS Roma. Rangers are 3-1 up in their round of 16 tie against Fenerbahce while Roma lead Athletic Club 2-1. There is the potential for an all-English final with Tottenham Hotspur on the other side of the draw to United.
Casemiro on suspension tightrope
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro could feature for United on Thursday due to injuries in that area of the pitch. The former Real Madrid man is the only current United player on two yellow cards. A third yellow card of the European campaign would rule him out of the quarter final first leg, if United make it. UEFA rules state that all yellow cards are carried over from the league phase into the knockout rounds.
They will only be wiped clean after the quarter finals. Any player who picks up a third yellow card during a quarter final second leg will be banned for the first leg of a semi-final. A player can only be suspended for a final, however, if they are red carded during the semi-final second leg. Real Sociedad have three players at risk of suspension with Brais Mendez, Igor Zubeldia and Jon Olasagasti on two cautions each.
In other news, Manchester United have reportedly made an early offer for a Barcelona defender as they look to get a head-start with their summer transfer plans.