Manchester United's potential Europa League last 16 opponents have become clearer on Thursday night.

The Reds avoided a two-legged playoff tie after finishing third in the league phase table. United are the only team to currently remain unbeaten in this year's competition, with five wins and three draws.

United have a clear incentive to win this year's Europa League, with a lucrative spot in next season's Champions League on offer to the winners in Bilbao on May 21. Ruben Amorim's side are almost certain to miss out on qualification for Europe's elite competition through the Premier League, with United currently 14th, adding greater importance to this year's Europa League campaign.

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The Reds will face one of AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Midtjylland or Real Sociedad in the last 16. And Thursday's first-leg playoff results have offered a clearer indication of who they may face.

Alkmaar thrashed Galatasaray 4-1, while Sociedad won 2-1 at Midtjylland earlier in the day. The second legs of both ties will be played next Thursday.

However, United will not officially discover their opponents until the draw is made on Friday, February 21. The last 16 fixtures will then be played on March 6 and 13.

The Reds could potentially face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur further down the line, although they would not be able to meet until the final, with both teams on opposite sides of the draw.

United travel to Spurs in the league on Sunday afternoon (kick-off: 4:30pm) with both sides close together in the bottom half of the top-flight table. The Reds, 13th, could open up a five-point gap on Ange Postecoglou's team in 14th with victory this weekend.