Midtjylland: Who are Manchester United's Europa League opponents?
Louis van Gaal's side have been drawn against Danish opposition after dropping into Europe's second-tier competition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Having failed on their European mission to Wolfsburg, Manchester United were omitted from today's Champions League draw and denied the opportunity of facing one of Europe's glamour sides such as Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Instead, they found themselves in the draw for the Round of 32 in the Europa League. And as if to compound the drop in stature that comes with falling into Europe's second tier competition, Louis van Gaal's side were paired with a side that many won't have heard of.
So here we provide the low down on Midtjylland, Manchester United's Europa League opponents.
WHO ARE THEY?
Midtjylland, formed in 1999, hail from Denmark where they won the Danish SuperLiga title last season. The club is situated in Herning, a city with a population of around 50,000. It's about a three hour drive from the capital, Copenhagen. They currently sit third in their domestic league.
HOW DID THEY QUALIFY?
As champions, Midtjylland went into the Champions League qualification process but were knocked out by Cypriot side APOEL at the Third qualifying round. That saw them move into the Europa League play-offs, where they were paired with Premier League side Southampton, who they beat 2-1 on aggregate. They then went into the proper tournament, finding themselves placed in Group D along with Napoli, Club Brugge and Legia Warsaw. They finished second behind Napoli despite winning just two of their six games.
WHO ARE THEIR BEST PLAYERS?
The club's two best known known current players are Finland's Tim Sparv, who came through Southampton's academy and ex-Hibernian defender Francis Dickoh. Other talented players in the side are winger Pione Sisto and forward Morten Rasmussen. Sparv in particular looks excited by the tie...
HAVE THEY EVER PLAYED ENGLISH SIDES?
As mentioned, Midtjylland have already beaten Southampton this season so should not be dismissed. Back in 2008 they took Manchester City to penalties (before losing) after their Uefa Cup tie finished level at 1-1 after two legs.
WILL THEY POSE A THREAT?
Some bookmakers are offering a return of just 1.06 on Manchester United progressing the the next phase of the tournament. A bet on Midtjylland could land an eight-fold return.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments