Man Utd could face daunting Europa League clash vs Inter or RB Salzburg but will dodge Ajax if they draw with AZ Alkmaar

MANCHESTER UNITED could face a daunting Europa League last-32 clash against either Inter Milan or RB Salzburg.

But the Red Devils will AVOID last season’s Champions League semi-finalists Ajax if they draw with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Man Utd will avoid Ajax if they top their Europa League groupCredit: PA:Press Association

United have already qualified for the next round of the Europa League after picking up three wins, one draw and one defeat in five matches.

However, top spot is not yet guaranteed as Alkmaar are just one point behind them in the table.

The pair clash at Old Trafford tomorrow evening, and United know they only need to avoid defeat to finish as top dogs.

That means they would avoid playing feared Dutch outfit Ajax, who shockingly crashed out of the Champions League last night after defeat to Valencia, sending the Spaniards and Chelsea through to the last-16.

Despite losing two group games, they played exciting football and would have gone through had they held on to a 4-1 lead against the Blues at Stamford Bridge in October.

The Eredivisie champs boast world-class stars including Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek.

But United will not have to fear going to Amsterdam should they do the business against lesser Dutch side Alkmaar.

However, the Red Devils still run the risk of a nightmare draw against Inter in the next round.

The Italians finished third in their group behind Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

Antonio Conte’s side lead Juventus in Serie A by two points, and boast two ex-United players in Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

They are currently seeded, which means they will not face a Europa League group winner.

But that could all change depending on results in tonight’s final round of Champions League group clashes.

There is also the possibility of United playing RB Salzburg, who came close to upsetting the odds against Liverpool and Napoli in their Champions League group.

The Austrians boast goal-machine teenager Erling Haaland, who has netted 28 goals in 22 matches this season.

But with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen on signing the ace, drawing Salzburg could provide the Red Devils with an intimate scouting opportunity.

United could also be set to face Benfica, who boast a number of young stars who have been linked with moves to England including defender Ruben Dias.

From teams already playing in the Europa League, Roma can always provide a threat.

While the likes of Porto, Gladbach and Rangers could prove to be tricky fixtures.

However, Solskjaer is sure to fancy his chances against some of the smaller sides knocking about, such as Cyprus’ Apoel Nicosia, Austria’s LASK and Roma’s Cluj.

Two sides United are guaranteed to avoid are fellow English outfits Wolves and Arsenal, with the latter determined to go all the way this time after suffering heartbreak in last year’s final against Chelsea.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk