Ruben Amorim's Man United wish can be granted but nightmare Europa League scenario lurks

Manchester United only need a point in Romania tonight to guarantee a top eight spot in the Europa League and earn a direct place in the last 16.

Ruben Amorim's side are away at FCSB this evening and begin the night fourth in the table. A draw will ensure a top eight berth, while a win could see them finish as high as second - which brings with it the bonus of avoiding whoever finishes top - likely to be Italian side Lazio - until the final.

But defeat could plunge United into the play-offs and a two-legged tie next month. The Reds would be seeded in that scenario with the second leg at Old Trafford, but that would be a nightmare position for Amorim.

Not only would it mean United had lost in Romania, it would throw up two extra fixtures at a time when the Reds boss is desperate for time on the training pitch to continue to implement his ideas. And the quality of opposition could offer United a stern test too.

Should the Reds drop out of the top eight, they would play one of the sides that finish between 17th and 24th. And while the permutations for who that could be are vast, there are tricky ties everywhere you look.

A Battle of Britain fixture against Rangers, who United narrowly beat 2-1 last week, is a possibility, as is a trip to Turkey and reunions with Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer at Besiktas. Roma, Porto and Ajax also lurk.

United could face theoretically easier opponents, with the likes of FC Midtjylland, Elfsborg and Ferencvaros unlikely to hold too many fears. But Amorim's men will be determined to earn that top eight place and a more straightforward route in the knockout stages.

Their path through the competition will become clearer either way come full time with UEFA having somewhat mapped out the draw. If United do finish in the top eight, they will be given one of four possible opponents ahead of Friday's play-off round draw.

If the table finished as it stands now with United fourth, their prospective opponents would be one of Rangers, AZ Alkmaar, Elfsborg or FC Midtjylland, while Tottenham would be possible quarter final opposition.

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