Manchester United will make their return to the Champions League next season after a one-year absence, however they could face a potentially tricky two-legged qualifier to reach the group stages.
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The Red Devils secured at top-four finish in the Premier League this year but after finishing behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the table, the three-time Champions League winners are one step away from being back among the elite in European football.
With the rest of the European league’s now complete, United’s potential opponents at the start of next season are now known and there will be a few teams that Louis van Gaal may want to avoid.
CSKA Moscow, Lazio and Sporting Lisbon represent the tougher ties, while Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco, who knocked out Arsenal on away goals earlier in the campaign, are possibly the trickiest opponent.
It’s not all bad news for United supporters as a match against either one of Fenerbahce, Young Boys, Sparta Prague, Anderlecht and Panathinaikos could be regarded as the easier route as well as Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna, who will be the lowest ranked side in the competition.
The draw for the play-off round will be made on August 7th with the first-leg tie set to take place on either August 18/19th, meaning United will have played two league games before turning their attentions to Europe.