It is all getting more rosy for Man United in the Europa League and they couldn’t have asked for a more decent draw after they were paired with Belgian side Anderlecht in the last eight of the competition.
Considered as the favourite to win the Europe second tier competition, United booked their place in the quarter-final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Russian club FC Rostov and Jose Mourinho will be relieved that his side will not have make another long journey.
The Red Devils will face the Belgian League leaders on April 13 at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Belgium with the return leg to follow a week later at Old Trafford.
The two sides have met six times in European competition with United coming on top on four occasions, their recent clash was in the Champions League group stage in 2000/2001 under Sir Alex Ferguson where United won 5-1 at home before they lost 2-1 in Belgium.
Man United have never won the competition in their history but it could be their saving grace as they seek a return to the Champions League as well as handling Zlatan Ibrahimovic his first silverware in Europe. Their position in the Premier League makes their qualification via that option almost impossible.
Man United came second in their group stage after winning four and losing two of their group matches before defeating French club Saint-Etienne in the last 32 with Ibrahimovic scoring a hat-trick in the first leg of the tie.
Juan Mata’s goal in the second leg of their last 16 clash with FC Rostov at Old Trafford on Thursday night, after drawing 1-1 at Russia, ensured their progress in the competition.
Their quarter-final tie has a Premier League clash against Chelsea sandwiched between them so it is left for Mourinho to decide which is of paramount importance.
