Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, Sevilla and a host of continental big guns as well as English clubs Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool swing into Europa League action in the last-32 knock ou
Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, Sevilla and a host of continental big guns as well as English clubs Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool swing into Europa League action in the last-32 knock out phase on Thursday.
Manchester United dream of redeeming their dull season by triumph in the Europa League, and in fact their coach Luis van Gaal won the old Uefa Cup with Ajax.
He takes United to little known Danish club Midtjylland, who are seeking a second English scalp after knocking out Southampton earlier in the season.
Formed just 16 years ago the Central Jutland club’s main threat could be Pione Sisto, a flashy winger born in Uganda but now a Danish under-21 international.
United made the trip on Wednesday without their talismanic captain Wayne Rooney.
“Wayne Rooney is a notable absentee from the flight and the manager is expected to confirm why during his pre-match press conference,” the United website said.
Meanwhile local fans have prepared a banner with the phrase: ‘Welcome to Scamdinavia’ on it to welcome the 800 strong United fans who are in uproar having paid £71 ($101, 91 euros) for their tickets.
Jurgen Klopp returns to Germany for the first time as Liverpool travel to Augsburg buoyed by a 6-0 drubbing of Villa, where Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi all progressed after injury comebacks.
The Liverpool boss was trying to play down the event saying, “During the draw, I wasn’t thinking ‘please let it be a German club’. While the relegation threatened opponents were on fever pitch.”
“This is an absolute dream game at the club of Augsburg,” said the club’s director of sport Stefan Reuter.
