Manchester United’s group for the 2022/23 Europa League has now been drawn. Erik ten Hag’s side will face Real Sociedad, FC Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia in the group stages.
United last played in the Europa league in 2020/21, where they reached the final, losing 11-10 on penalties against Villarreal.
The Europa League poses an excellent opportunity for Ten Hag to get his first trophy as Manchester United manager. With some excellent players in the squad, as well new signings including Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, there is every chance the Red Devils could go all the way this season.
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Here is a look at United’s 2022/23 group stage opponents in a bit more detail.
Real Sociedad - Spain
Qualification Route: Real Sociedad qualified for the Europa League due to their league position in 2021/22, after they finished sixth in La Liga last season. Sociedad are one of two Spanish sides in the Europa League this season, along with Real Betis.
Last Meeting: United have only ever faced Real Sociedad four times. Most recently, the two sides met at Old Trafford in the 2020/21 Europa League round of 32, drawing 0-0. This was a result that meant United won the tie. They won the first leg 4-0 away from home, which saw two goals from Marcus Rashford help United secure the win.
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Dangerman: Despite losing main man Alexander Isak in the last few days, after the Sweden international joined Newcastle United, Sociedad still have some threatening players.
The Spanish side will be hoping to have Mikel Oyarzabal back to face United. The 25-year-old has missed the last few months with a cruciate injury. Should he return in time to face United, he will likely be a very dangerous asset for Sociedad.
Aside from Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo is another excellent player. Having joined from Real Madrid in the summer, Kubo has made a great start to life at Sociedad and has already scored this season. Still only 21 years old, the winger has a high ceiling and could be a big threat against United this season.
FC Sheriff Tiraspol – Moldova
Qualification Route: Sheriff were knocked out of the Champions League third qualifying round by Viktoria Plzen. They then faced Armenian side Pyunik in the final qualifying round of the Europa League, and knocked them out, winning 3-2 on penalties after two 0-0 draws.
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Last Meeting: United have never played Sheriff before and will meet for the first time in this season’s Europa League.
Dangerman: Momo Yansane had a good season for Sheriff in all competitions last season. The Guinea international scored 12 goals and assisted five for Sheriff, including one Champions League goal at home against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Following the departure of some crucial players, including Sébastien Thill, Yansane will have a big opportunity to step up and become Sheriff’s most important player. He will certainly be someone United should be wary of in the Europa League fixtures this season.
Omonia Nicosia – Cyprus
Qualification Route: Omonia qualified for the Europa League through the playoffs. They beat Belgian side Gent 4-0 on aggregate to seal their place in the competition.
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Last Meeting: Like Sheriff, United have never played against Omonia before, meaning the first meeting in this season’s Europa League between the two sides will be a historic one.
Dangerman: Andronikos Kakoullis scored nine goals and managed 10 assists in all competitions last season for Omonia. In three games this season, he has scored one and assisted twice, including a goal against Gent in the qualifying round for Europa League.
At just 21 years old, the striker is already a full international for Cyprus and has scored one goal in seven appearances. Kakoullis could certainly pose a threat to United when the two sides meet in the group stages.
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United begin their Europa League campaign on 8th September, and Erik ten Hag will no doubt be hoping to get his first win in Europe as United’s manager.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Europa League, Real Sociedad, Football, Erik Ten Hag