Europa League: Manchester United to play FC Rostov

Jose Mourinho’s side handed long trip to Russia in last-16 while Roma play Lyon

Manchester United will play FC Rostov in the last-16 of the Europa League. Photograph: Cyril Zingaro/Epa
Manchester United will play FC Rostov in the last-16 of the Europa League. Photograph: Cyril Zingaro/Epa

Manchester United will play Russian side FC Rostov in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho’s side, who saw off St Etienne in the previous round, will travel to Russia for the first leg on Wednesday, March 8th.

The second leg will take place the following week on March 15th.

Mourinho should be relieved to be at Old Trafford for the second leg as United are due to play at Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final just 48 hours earlier, on Monday.

READ SOME MORE

A long trip to Rostov, which is approximately 1,000km south of Moscow, the day after the domestic cup tie would have tested their resolve.

Mourinho has already criticised the scheduling of the Chelsea game on the Monday for TV purposes.

Rostov, who beat Sparta Prague in the last 32, finished second in the Russian Premier League last season.

Elsewhere in the draw, Tottenham’s conquerors Gent were drawn against Genk in an all-Belgian tie.

There was also an all-German match-up as Schalke were paired with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Roma, one of the competition favourites, will face Lyon while Celta Vigo were drawn against Krasnodar.

Europa League last-16 draw:

Celta Vigo v FC Krasnodar

Apoel v Anderlecht

Schalke v Borussia Munchengladbach

Lyon v Roma

FC Rostov v Manchester United

Olympiakos v Besiktas

Gent v Genk

FC Copenhagen v Ajax