Despite some calls from United fans to ignore the Europa League and play a weakened side to concentrate on the Premier League race, winning the competition could actually prove vital for van Gaal.
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And they must be some chance of springing an upset given the Red Devil’s recent struggles.
Formed in 1999, the same year United won the Champions League, Midtjylland won the title for the first time in their history last season.
Valencia, the 2004 UEFA Cup champion, was the first team picked and was paired with Rapid Vienna.
It’s a tough draw for Chris Ikonomidis’ Lazio, who face Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray.
The ties will be held in mid-February.
Augsburg only snook into the draw on the final match day, with a 3-1 win away at Partizan Belgrade securing their place.
I don’t have to think back long to remember the social media taunts flowing in my direction from United supporters suggesting I will need to keep Thursday nights free this year to watch Liverpool in the Europa League. Teams from the same domestic league can’t face each other in this round.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will meet Augbsurg of the Bundesliga in their tie, while Borussia Dortmund will meet Porto, who were eliminated from the Champions League after a defeat to Chelsea in their final group game.
The 2004 winners Valencia suffered a disappointing Champions League exit and will hope to make the best of their season with a strong push in the Europa League. We take that as a good omen. Where the Europa League’s reputation has fallen on its side in the past is when we consider just how seriously these clubs take it. Yet that may be about to change.
The first leg will be played in Florence on February 18, with the return leg taking place at White Hart Lane on February 25.
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If either of these sides want Champions League football anytime soon they’ll probably have to win the Europa League.
