Thursday night thrills just became an uncomfortable reality for Manchester United fans.
The Red Devils have been drawn against Danish side FC Midjylland in the last 32 of the Europa League as Louis van Gaal looks to turn United’s Champions League elimination into a positive.
The club have already come to terms with the demotion, presumably holding their nose while pressing the follow button…
Of course, many observers were still just getting used to seeing the club competing for the European Cup’s little brother, while others focused on how the club managed once again to dodge a difficult draw in Europe.
This really is what Europa league dreams are made of!! https://t.co/pmiYCj0hAf
— Seán Óg OCiardubháin (@seanogcordal) December 14, 2015
Nothing says Europa League like FC Midtjylland.
— Gavin Brown (@gavbrown_metro) December 14, 2015
Good tie for Manchester United. A spelling nightmare for everybody
— Mbaku, Thee Stallion 🐴 (@Oga_Azi) December 14, 2015
Coming out of their easy group, United get the easiest team to beat in the Europa league too lol.
— Kuv (@Kuv90) December 14, 2015
United must’ve got the best draw because I’ve never heard of the team they’re playing.
— Umarah (@_umara) December 14, 2015
Lol y'all just wait and watch Van Gaal turn United into Barcelona in the europa league
— Millz (@ItsMillz_) December 14, 2015
Despite being something of an unknown quantity and only winning two of their six group games, Midjylland have a good record against English sides having already accounted for Southampton earlier this season, and the club are known for their heavy use of analytics.
https://twitter.com/ml__1985/status/676377970504806400
1 – FC Midtjylland have lost only one of four games v English sides in Europe (W2 D1). Analysis.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 14, 2015
Liverpool were also in the draw and new boss Jurgen Klopp will be returning to Germany, although a reunion with former club Borussia Dortmund will have to wait as they were drawn with FC Porto.
Instead, Liverpool will meet Augsburg, who finished second in Group L behind Athletic Bilbao.
Tottenham got the toughest draw of the three English sides when they were paired with Fiorentina, currently flying high in second place in Serie A.
The full draw is here:
