Europa League 24/25: Group Stage Draw Date, How it Works, Man Utd Potential Opponents, Full Schedule & More

Manchester United are back in the Europa League for the 24/25 season. Here’s the draw dates, how the new system works, the potential opponents and more.

Manchester United obtained European football after the 23/24 season, just. The Red Devils snuck into the Europa League by the skin of their teeth, having been awarded a place in the competition following their FA Cup Final 2024 triumph against Manchester City.

Alas, United now embark on the competition they won under Jose Mourinho back in 2017, but it isn’t how they remember it. The Europa League, alongside the Champions League, has an all-new format for the new season – meaning United are heading into uncharted territory.

You won’t want to miss a beat of this European campaign – and you won’t, right here are United in Focus. Information sourced from UEFA.

How does the Europa League 24/25 season work?

As of the 2024/25 campaign, the Europa League group stages will be gone. It will be replaced with ONE group of 36 teams.

The 36-team group will see each team play eight matches, instead of six, against four opponents which are drawn via pots.

The top eight teams in the big group will automatically qualify for the knockout stages. Teams ranked 9th-24th will be drawn in a two-legged play-off. Teams finishing 25th or lower will be automatically eliminated.

Some teams will then drop down into the Europa Conference League. It’s all a little confusing, so you can check out our comprehensive guide below.

When does the Europa League 24/25 start?

The first round of Europa League matches are set to take place on either the 25th or 26th of September 2024.

Full Schedule

When is the 2024/25 Europa League knockout stage?

When is the Europa League Group Stage Draw 24/25?

The first Europa League group stage draw will take place on the 29th of August 2024. This is where Manchester United will find out which sides will they’ll be facing in the league phase of the competition.

Europa League Draw Schedule 24/25

Do Manchester United have to play in the Europa League qualifiers?

No. Manchester United advance straight to the Europa League group stages. The official Premier League website states that the winners of the FA Cup head immediately into the group stage proper.

When are the qualifiers?

What pot are Manchester United in for Europa League draw?

Manchester United are projected to be in pot one. They are joined by the following clubs:

Who could be Manchester United’s potential opponents?

So far, pots are just projected – but Manchester United’s potential group stage opponents could look a little like this:

Where is the Europa League final?

The 2024/25 Europa League season final will be played at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 21st of May 2025.

Estadio de San Mamés, commonly known as San Mamés, is a renowned football stadium located in Bilbao, Spain. Named after Saint Mammes, it was the home of Athletic Club (Athletic Bilbao). The original stadium, inaugurated on August 21, 1913, was one of the oldest in Spain and held great historical significance. Nicknamed “La Catedral” (The Cathedral), it was famous for its passionate atmosphere and loyal supporters.

In 2013, the old San Mamés was replaced by a new, modern stadium built adjacent to the original site. The new San Mamés, which opened on September 16, 2013, boasts a capacity of approximately 53,000 seats and features state-of-the-art facilities. It has hosted numerous domestic and international matches, including UEFA competitions.

What do the Europa League winners get?

Alongside the Europa League trophy, the 2024/25 winners likewise gain a place in the League stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. That is, if they haven’t qualified via domestic competitions.

Have Manchester United won the Europa League before?

Yes, Manchester United have won the Europa League. They secured their first and only title in the 2016-2017 season. Under the management of Mourinho, Manchester United defeated Ajax 2-0 in the final, with goals from Paul Pogba and Henrih Mkhitaryan.