Manchester United were handed a relatively easy draw for the Europa League semi-finals, with the English club taking on Spanish side Celta de Vigo, it was revealed in the draw on Friday. United avoided a clash with Dutch side Ajax and French team Lyon, who will face off in the other semi-final. The two ties will take place in back-to-back weeks on May 4 and May 11.
United were also handed the advantage of playing the second leg of the tie at home. The Europa League is the 20-time English champions’ best chance to reach the Champions League next season, since they currently lie fifth in the Premier League table.
An added motivation for Manchester United to reach the Europa League final is that it will be held in Stockholm, so it would be akin to a home game for their Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 35-year-old however injured his knee during United’s quarter-final second leg win over Anderlecht on Thursday and it is still unclear whether he will play again this season.
