After failing to win their UEFA Europa League group, the biggest fear for Manchester United heading into the knockout round play-offs draw was a possible clash with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants were one of several continental heavyweights that finished third in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage and were thus demoted to Europe's second-tier club competition.
And lo and behold, this is the exact predicament the Red Devils find themselves in as Erik ten Hag's men have drawn Lewandowski and Co. in the upcoming round of the UEFA Europa League.
Given that these are two of the greatest teams to have ever existed, this match-up was always going to spark instant reactions on social media. Many took to Twitter to point out the obvious: two clubs that faced off in UEFA Champions League finals over a decade ago are now battling it out in the Europa League, underlining their recent demise.
Meanwhile, others could not help but get excited over what should be a thrilling encounter between the Premier League outfit and the Spanish side. Check out the best tweets below.
These draws are a joke though. So easy to follow the ball of United and draw it
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 7, 2022
The last time Ronaldo played Barcelona pic.twitter.com/mffZts8O9q
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 7, 2022
CONFIRMED: Barca vs Manchester United in the UEL
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) November 7, 2022
UEFA with the most predictable script ever!!!! What a clash!!!!!
this was a UCL final like 10 years ago https://t.co/RcbbeqlCCa
— - (@GPv3000) November 7, 2022
LOOOOOL, this draw must be rigged. How on earth did Barcelona get United
— Rimedi (@r1medi) November 7, 2022
De Jong that rejected Man Utd for Europa to stay at Barcelona is facing Man Utd in the Europa.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 7, 2022
God works in mysterious ways pic.twitter.com/0TQNPYKcDV
However, Manchester United and Barcelona aren't the only noteworthy sides in this round. Roma, led by iconic manager Jose Mourinho, failed to win their group as well and will now face off against RB Salzburg for a spot in the round of 16.
PSV, on the other hand, just missed out despite beating Arsenal in an impressive 2-0 victory at the Philips Stadion. Now, the Dutch giants must overcome the struggling Sevilla, led by newly-appointed head coach Jorge Sampaoli.
And finally, Juventus, who endured an embarrassing UEFA Champions League campaign, finishing third behind Benfica and PSG, have been pitted against Nantes and will look to make amends in this competition. Check out the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off ties in full below.
