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    Man Utd name forgotten man who hasn’t played in 15 MONTHS in Europa League squad

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S 25-man Europa League squad has been confirmed with forgotten left-back Tyrell Malacia included despite his 15-month absence.Erik ten Hag’s roster for the European competition was revealed on Thursday and all of his big stars made it in.Tyrell Malacia is in Man Utd’s Europa League squad but has not played since May 2023Credit: EPAThe likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were not named among the 25, but are still eligible as they are classed as homegrown players.And perhaps the only surprise was the inclusion of Dutch full-back Malacia, 25.The former Feyenoord man arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 for £13million.He played 39 games in his first campaign in England but has not featured since May 2023.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe spent the entirety of last season sidelined following knee surgery.But Ten Hag made a prediction ahead of the new season that Malacia could be back within two months.Speaking in early August, he said: “He is now in a good place, but he is not here [in pre-season] because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.”He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd’s Europa League squadGoalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot MeeDefenders: Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Harry AmassMidfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Manuel UgarteForwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Antony”I think it would be possible in two months [for him to return].”Man Utd have been plagued by injuries at left-back as Luke Shaw has also suffered numerous fitness issues.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedThey were linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer window, but ultimately a deal was not struck.Diogo Dalot, an orthodox right-back, has started Man Utd’s opening three Premier League games on the left side of Ten Hag’s defence.The Red Devils’ Europa League campaign gets underway at home to Twente on September 25.Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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    Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian, 36, set to return to football after being left unemployed following Fulham exit

    WILLIAN has joined Olympiacos as a free agent shortly after his exit from Fulham.The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace stood out for the Cottagers last season with five goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.Willian is joining Olympiacos as a free agent after leaving FulhamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea and Arsenal ace Willian passed his medical at OlympiacosCredit: GettyThe West Londoners’ manager Marco Silva wanted the winger to stay at Craven Cottage and the club offered him a new one-year contract after his previous deal expired in June.The ex-Brazil international, though, decided to move on and will continue with last season’s Europa Conference League winners who will be playing in the Europa League this season.The 36-year-old agreed a deal with Olympiacos and flew to Athens where he passed his medical in Piraeus and put pen to paper.The summer transfer window in Greece runs until September 11 and Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side is eager to add more attacking reinforcement.Read More on FootballOlympiacos missed out on signing Wolves ace Daniel Podence on a permanent deal after his successful loan stint last season.Podence is moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab after Gary O’Neil’s side landed Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax.Mendilibar’s side has also been linked with another former Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech, who is looking to leave Galatasaray.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWillian moved to the Premier League in 2013 when he joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went on to enjoy a glittering seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, the 2015 EFL Cup, the 2018 FA Cup and the 2019 Europa League trophy.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubThe ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star registered a total of 63 goals and 57 assists in 339 appearances with the Blues.Willian then moved to Arsenal but struggled to replicate the same success in north London with only one goal and seven assists in 37 matches before his departure just a year later in 2021.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu Gaspar claimed the forward failed to be a success at the Emirates because he wasn’t “100 per cent comfortable” during a season in which he started well but became “inconsistent”, just like the rest of the team.After a brief spell at Corinthians, Willian returned to London for Fulham where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 67 appearances.Fulham offered Willian a new contract and manager Marco Silva wanted him to stayEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6m More

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    Uefa confirm major change to European football in huge boost to Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal fans

    UEFA have announced a major change to ticket prices for this season’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.The European governing body confirmed a price cap for away fans following their favourite club in various stadium visits around the continent.UEFA have announced a price cap on away tickets for this season’s competitionsCredit: ReutersAway tickets will be reduced further more next season in Uefa competitionsCredit: GettyThe maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 (£51m) in the Champions League, €40 (£34) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Things will get even better next season as visiting supporters will pay no more than €50 (£42) in the Champions League, €35 (£29) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Uefa came to the decision following an agreement with European Clubs’ Association and Football Supporters’ Europe.A statement read: “Starting with the 2024/25 season, the maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 in the UEFA Champions League, €40 in the UEFA Europa League and €20 in the UEFA Conference League. Read More on Football”This will be further reduced in the 2025/26 season to a maximum price of €50 in the UEFA Champions League, €35 in the UEFA Europa League and still €20 in the UEFA Conference League.”The news will be welcomed by the Premier League’s representatives for this season’s Uefa competitions.Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa fans are set for four trips in the Champions League.The same goes for Tottenham and Manchester United supporters in the Europa League.Most read in FootballChelsea fans, on the other hand, will be going on three away games in the Conference League.There will be more trips in the knockout stages if the Premier League clubs finish in the top 24 places in their competition.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals bizarre thing that ‘turns him on’ during live Champions League drawIf they finish in the top eight of their respective league phase then they will qualify straight to the Last 16 and avoid the play-off round. More

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    Champions League fixtures CONFIRMED with Arsenal handed rarely-seen Thursday night fixture as new format kicks in

    THE dates for this season’s Champion League fixtures have been confirmed – with a major change to scheduling also being announced.Europe’s elite club competition – which was won by Real Madrid last season – returns next month.The new format Champions League draw took place on ThursdayCredit: GettyArsenal learned their fate in the draw along with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man CityCredit: APThe Gunners have been handed a rare Thursday night fixture to kick off their campaignCredit: GETTYPremier League quartet Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City learned their fates for this season’s instalment of the competition, the first outing of the new 36-team league format, this week.But for the first time in the modern era, there’s been a major change to the scheduling of games.Due to the increased number of teams in the tournament, games will now be played on Tuesday, Wednesday and THURSDAY nights.And Arsenal will be the first English team to play Champions League footie on a Thursday night.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners will kick off their campaign away to last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta on Thursday, September 19.Aston Villa and Liverpool will both be in action on Tuesday, September 17, travelling to Switzerland and Italy respectively to take on Young Boys and AC Milan.Premier League champions Manchester City, meanwhile, will welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad the following night.As well as their match with Atalanta, the Gunners will also be on the road for their clashes with Inter, Girona and Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s troops will welcome Shakhtar Donetsk, GNK Dinamo, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates.In addition to their trip to Young Boys, Villa will be on the road against RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Monaco.The new Champions League format explainedBayern Munich, Juventus Bologna and Celtic will be the 1982 tournament winners’ opposition at Villa Park.Liverpool’s proverbial ‘Group of Death’ will also see them travel to Spain, the Netherlands and Germany to take on Girona, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.Arne Slot’s lot will welcome Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Bologna at Anfield.Manchester City, meanwhile, face away days to Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava and Paris Saint-Germain.The 2022/23 winners will also host Club Brugge, Feyenoord and Sparta Prague at the Etihad.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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    Europa League draw in full as Man Utd face Mourinho reunion and Tottenham handed tricky away ties in new format

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have discovered their fate in the new-look Europa League with the Red Devils pitted against former boss Jose Mourinho.The draw also produced two blockbuster Battle of Britains with both Man Utd and Spurs to face Rangers in the league phase.The new-look Europa League draw took place on FridayCredit: GettyManchester United qualified for the Europa League through winning the FA CupCredit: GettyTottenham are preparing for their first European campaign under Ange PostecoglouCredit: AlamyMan Utd will face former manager Jose Mourinho and ex-midfielder Fred when they head to FenerbahceCredit: Getty – ContributorErik ten Hag’s men will host the Scottish giants while Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Glasgow.Follow SunSport’s live blog of the Europa League drawMan Utd will head to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce where ex-Red Devils midfielder Fred also plies his trade.Manchester United’s remaining fixtures will see them travel to Porto, Viktoria Plzen and Twente, as well as hosting PAOK, Bodo/Glimtand FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs face some tricky European away days as they prepare to head to Turkish giants Galatasaray and German side Hoffenheim.They also go to Hungary to play Ferencvaros.Tottenham will host Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Qarabag and Elfsborg.And Postecoglou, who managed Celtic before joining Spurs, joked he is expecting a “warm reception” from the Rangers fans when his side head north of the border.Most read in Europa LeagueHe said: “Exciting. It’s good to be a part of. Some good games.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years.”I am sure I will get a warm reception at Ibrox and they’ll look forward to seeing me.”The competition will follow the same format as the new Champions League, with all 36 teams playing eight matches in the “league phase”.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TVThe top eight progress straight through to the last-16, with ninth to 24th going into a play-off round.The bottom eight teams are immediately eliminated.Another change means no Champions League sides will drop down into the Europa League this season.On Thursday, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learned their Champions League fixtures.SunSport has a full breakdown of the fixture list for each of the English clubs here.Man Utd failed to earn European football through their Premier League position last season after they finished eighth.But their FA Cup triumph over Man City salvaged Europa League football for Ten Hag’s men.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham qualified for the Europa League by finishing fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of the Champions League places.This year’s final will take place in Bilbao on May 21. More

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    Europa Conference League draw LIVE: Chelsea face horror league phase fixtures, Man Utd to take on Mourinho’s Fenerbahce

    THE Europa Conference League draw is complete and Chelsea fans face a 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan in their league phase. Earlier on in the Europa League draw, Man Utd were drawn against Jose Mourinho’s side Fenerbahce.The Red Devils will also play Rangers, as will fellow Premier League side Tottenham. Follow out ALL the latest reaction from the Europa League draw with our live blog below…Chelsea’s opponents confirmedWith the clubs from pot one drawn for the Conference League league phase, Chelsea have learnt their six opponents.Enzo Maresca’s side face trips to Germany, Kazakhstan and Greece.The exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed on Saturday, but here are who the Blues will face this season.Chelsea’s Conference League opponentsGent (H)Heidenheim (A)Astana (A)Shamrock Rovers (H)Panathinaikos (A)Noah (H)Copy linkCopiedChelsea out nextChelsea will face:Gent (H)Heidenheim (A)Astana (A)Shamrock Rovers (H)Panathinaikos (A)Noah (H)Copy linkCopiedChelsea to host GentGent are the first side drawn and will visit Stamford Bridge in the league phase.Chelsea’s remaining five opponents will be revealed when the Blues are drawn.Copy linkCopiedDraw underwayThe Conference League draw is underway, time to discover Chelsea’s opponents.Copy linkCopiedReminder of the potsHere is a reminder of the pots for the Conference League league phase draw.Conference League league phase draw potsPot One:ChelseaCopenhagenGentFiorentinaLASKReal BetisPot Two:Istanbul BasaksehirMoldeLegia WarsawHeidenheimDjurgardensAPOELPot Three:Rapid WienOmoniaHJK HelsinkiVitoria de GuimaraesAstanaOlimpija LjubljanaPot Four:Cercle BruggeShamrock RoversThe New SaintsLuganoHeartsMlada BoleslavPot Five:Petrocub HincestiSt. GallenPanathinaikosTSCBorac Banja LukaJagiellonia BialystokPot Six:CeljeLarneDinamo MinskPafosVikingur ReykjavikNoahCopy linkCopiedDraw set to startThe Conference League draw is about to get underway as Chelsea learnt their league phase fate.Enzo Maresca’s side will play against a club from each of the six pots in today’s draw.Copy linkCopiedConference League potsChelsea will be seeded in pot one for the Conference League draw.Here are the six pots in full:Conference League league phase draw potsPot One:ChelseaCopenhagenGentFiorentinaLASKReal BetisPot Two:Istanbul BasaksehirMoldeLegia WarsawHeidenheimDjurgardensAPOELPot Three:Rapid WienOmoniaHJK HelsinkiVitoria de GuimaraesAstanaOlimpija LjubljanaPot Four:Cercle BruggeShamrock RoversThe New SaintsLuganoHeartsMlada BoleslavPot Five:Petrocub HincestiSt. GallenPanathinaikosTSCBorac Banja LukaJagiellonia BialystokPot Six:CeljeLarneDinamo MinskPafosVikingur ReykjavikNoahCopy linkCopiedConference League drawAttention now turns to the Conference League draw, which is coming up at 1.30pm from the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco.Unlike the Champions League and Europa League, clubs will play six matches in the league phase.These will consist of one side from each of the six pots in today’s draw, with Chelsea the sole English representatives.The draw can be streamed live on Uefa.com, watched on TNT Sports 1 or followed here with our live blog.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDraw completedWith the conclusion of the pot four draw, that ends today’s Europa League league phase ceremony.Fixture dates will be confirmed on Saturday.Here is a look at who Manchester United and Tottenham will face:Europa League league phase opponentsManchester United:Rangers (Home)Porto (Away)PAOK (H)Fenerbahce (A)Bodo/Glimt (H)Viktoria Plzen (A)Twente (H)FCSB (A)Tottenham:Roma (H)Rangers (A)AZ Alkmaar (H)Ferencvaros (A)Qarabag (H)Galatasaray (A)Elfsborg (H)Hoffenheim (A)Copy linkCopiedPot two and three completedThe Europa League league phase is almost completed with the clubs in pot four set to discover their final two opponents.Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers found out all eight of their fixtures during the pot one draw, though.The Conference League draw is coming up following this ceremony.Copy linkCopiedMourinho reunionAs well as facing Rangers, Manchester United will also have a reunion with Jose Mourinho.The Red Devils will travel to Turkey to take on his new club Fenerbahce during the league phase.Copy linkCopiedUnited and Spurs to face RangersWith the fixtures confirmed for pot one in the Europa League league phase, we now know who Manchester United and Tottenham will play.Both sides have been drawn against Rangers for one of their two pot one opponents.Here are their fixtures in full:Europa League league phase opponentsManchester United:Rangers (Home)Porto (Away)PAOK (H)Fenerbahce (A)Bodo/Glimt (H)Viktoria Plzen (A)Twente (H)FCSB (A)Tottenham:Roma (H)Rangers (A)AZ Alkmaar (H)Ferencvaros (A)Qarabag (H)Galatasaray (A)Elfsborg (H)Hoffenheim (A)Copy linkCopiedFinally, AjaxThe last side from pot one to be drawn, Ajax will play:Lazio (h)Slavia Prague (a)Maccabi Tel-Aviv (h)Real Sociedad (a)Galatasaray (h)Qarabag (a)Besiktas (h)RFS (a)Copy linkCopiedLazio next drawnLazio are the penultimate side to learn their fixtures, here they are:Porto (h)Ajax (a)Real Sociedad (h)Braga (a)Ludogorets (h)Dynamo Kyiv (a)Nice (h)Twente (a)Copy linkCopiedSpurs’ opponentsNext out the hat is Spurs and here are their opponents:Roma (h)Rangers (a)AZ Alkmaar (h)Ferncvaros (a)Qarabag (h)Galatasaray (a)Elfsborg (h)Hoffenheim (a)Copy linkCopiedUnited drawnWe already know their pot one opponents, but here is the complete list:Rangers (h)Porto (a)PAOK (h)Fenerbahce (a)Bodo/Glimt (h)Viktoria Plzen (a)Twente (h)FCSB (a)Copy linkCopiedSlavia Prague latest team drawnThe Czech side will meet:Ajax (h)Frankfurt (a)Fenerbahce (h)PAOK (a)Malmo (h)Ludogorets (a)Anderlecht (h)Athletic Bilbao (a)Copy linkCopiedPorto opponentsPorto are next to be drawn and they will play:Manchester United (h)Lazio (a)Olympiacos (h)Maccabi Tel-Aviv (a)Midtjylland (h)Bodo/Glimt (a)Hoffenheim (h)Anderlecht (a)Copy linkCopiedFrankfurt third drawnFrankfurt will take on:Slavis Prague (h)Roma (a)Ferencvaros (h)Lyon (a)Viktoria Plzen (h)Midtjylland (a)RFS (h)Besiktas (a)Copy linkCopiedRoma out nextRoma are the second team drawn, they will play:Frankfurt (h)Tottenham (a)Braga (h)AZ Alkmaar (a)Dynamo Kyiv (h)Union SG (a)Athletic Bilbao (h)Elfsborg (a)Copy linkCopiedRangers’ opponentsRangers will play:Tottenham (h)Manchester United (a)Lyon (h)Olympiacos (a)Union SG (h)Malmo (a)FCSB (h)Nice (a)Copy linkCopiedDraw underwayHere we go, the first team drawn from pot one are Rangers.Copy linkCopiedDraw potsHere is a reminder of the pots for today’s Europa League league phase draw.Europa League league phase draw potsPot One:RomaManchester UnitedPortoAjaxRangersFrankfurtLazioTottenhamSlavia PraguePot Two:Real SociedadAZ AlkmaarBragaOlympiacosLyonPAOKFenerbahceMaccabi Tel AvivFerencvarosPot Three:QarabagGalatasarayViktoria PlzenBodo/GlimtUnion Saint-GilloiseDynamo KyivLudogoretsMidtjyllandMalmoPot Four:Athletic BilbaoHoffenheimNiceAnderlechtTwenteBesiktasFCSBRFSElfsborgCopy linkCopiedDraw about to startThe time has come for this season’s Europa League league phase draw, with the ceremony about to get underway in Monaco.Both Manchester United and Tottenham are in pot one and will be amongst the first clubs to discover their eight fixtures.Clubs will play two clubs from each pot, one at home and one away.Copy linkCopiedFinal venueThe final of this season’s Europa League will be held at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.Opened in 2013, the stadium has a capacity of 53,331.It is also the home of Athletic Bilbao, who are competing in the competition this term.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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    Who could Man Utd face in the Europa League draw?

    MANCHESTER UNITED secured qualification for this season’s Europa League despite a disappointing eight-placed finish in the Premier League last season.The Red Devils capped off an underwhelming season on a high after lifting their 13th FA Cup and claiming their spot in Europe this term.The Europa League draw will take place todayCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has backed Erik ten Hag over the summer and will be hoping for a much-improved campaign in his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.The Dutchman has bolstered his squad with the likes of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui all coming through the door.PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte is also on the verge of joining Man Utd for a huge fee of £51million. Ten Hag will be aiming to lead the club to their first European trophy since the Red Devil’s Europa League triumph in 2016/17.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport takes a look at the competition’s new style and who the Manchester outfit could face…What is the new Europa League 2024/25 format?This year’s Europa League will feature just one league table of all 36 qualified clubs, unlike previous years which saw eight groups of four.Each team will play eight matches, taking on two sides from each of the four pots, playing one match at home and the other away.Clubs from the same country will not play each other and no team can face more than two opponents from the same country.Most read in Europa LeagueDuring the draw, a club will be manually drawn out of the bowl and then said club’s eight fixtures will be revealed by Uefa’s automated software.Following the conclusion of the eight league phase matches, the top eight will qualify directly to the last-16 while teams that finish 9th to 24th will contest in an additional play-off round and those who finish 25th to 36th are set to be eliminated from this season’s European competitions.From the last-16, regular knockout rules will apply.This is the same format which is being used for the Champions League and the Europa Conference League.Who could Man Utd face in the Europa League draw?Man Utd are in Pot 1 due to their Uefa coefficient ranking.The Red Devils will play eight matches during the league phase, taking on two sides from each of the four pots, playing one match at home and the other away.At this stage of the competition, Ten Hag’s men cannot face opponents from their own country, meaning Man Utd cannot meet Tottenham just yet.The Red Devils can also play a maximum of two sides from any other country.Here are the clubs Man Utd could draw from each of the four pots:Pot 1: AS Roma, Porto, Ajax, Rangers, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, Slavia Prague.Pot 2: Real Sociedad, AZ Alkmaar, Braga, Olympiakos, Lyon, PAOK, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ferencvaros.Pot 3: Qarabag, Galatasaray, Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG, Dynamo Kyiv, Ludogorets, Midtjylland, Malmo.Pot 4: Athletic Club, Hoffenheim, Nice, Anderlecht, Twente, Besiktas, FK RFS, Steaua Bucharest, Elfsborg.What TV channel is the Europa League draw 2024/25 on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Europa League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through discovery+Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through SunSport’s live blog.READ MORE SUN STORIESCan I watch the Europa League draw 2024/25 for FREE?The Europa League draw will be broadcast for FREE on UEFA.comTNT Sport’s official YouTube channel will also be airing the draw live from Monaco. More

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    What is the new Champions League format and how does it work?

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football has produced some of the best matches the world has ever seen – but this season will be like no other.Jude Bellingham capped off his incredible debut season for Real Madrid by helping Los Blancos seal their 15th Champions League triumph in the 2023/24 final.Real Madrid celebrated their 15th Champions League in styleCredit: GettyCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVEAnd the midfield maestro will be hoping his side can fend off English giants Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal to retain the title.But all teams are set to have a completely new route to the final courtesy of what will now be a league format.Luckily for fans, SunSport can give a clear explanation on how it will all work below.Read more on Champions League What is the new Champions League format?There will be one league table that all 36 qualified teams will participate in.Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – four home games and four away games against seeded opposition in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.Clubs will only face other sides based on the pot they have been drawn out of and teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country or from the same association.The top eight teams in the final table will automatically go through to the last 16.Most read in Champions LeagueThey will then be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides who were placed ninth to 24th in the table.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from all European competitions this season – meaning that they will not drop into the Europa League similar to previous years.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.How will the knockout stages work?As mentioned earlier, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16 while those who place ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the chance to join them.Then from the last 16 onwards, the Champions League will continue to follow its previous format with the final taking place in a neutral venue.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from the competition and will NOT drop into the Europa League.What does this mean for the Europa League and Europa Conference League?Both competitions will see similar changes to those of the Champions League and will both feature 36 teams.The Europa League will follow the exact same format READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile, teams in the Europa Conference League will play six matches against six different opponents in the league phase. More