Europa League Group Stage: Matchday 1 Preview
Manchester United to begin post-Ronaldo era under Ten Hag
The UEFA Europa League group stage kicks off on Thursday with Manchester United welcoming PAOK to Old Trafford. The English side will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign under new manager Erik ten Hag, who has replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a disappointing end to last season.
United have been in good form in pre-season, winning four of their five matches, and will be confident of beating a PAOK side that finished third in the Greek Super League last season.
Other key matches on Matchday 1
Other key matches on Matchday 1 include Arsenal's trip to FC Zurich, Roma's home clash with Ludogorets, and Lazio's visit to Feyenoord.
Arsenal will be hoping to make a better start to their Europa League campaign this season after they were knocked out in the semi-finals last year. The Gunners have been drawn in a tough group but will be confident of beating a Zurich side that finished fourth in the Swiss Super League last season.
Roma will be looking to make a winning start to their Europa League campaign under new manager Jose Mourinho. The Italian side have been drawn in a difficult group but will be hoping to beat a Ludogorets side that finished second in the Bulgarian First League last season.
Lazio will be looking to make a strong start to their Europa League campaign under new manager Maurizio Sarri. The Italian side have been drawn in a tough group but will be hopeful of beating a Feyenoord side that finished third in the Eredivisie last season.
Full list of Matchday 1 fixtures
- Manchester United vs. PAOK
- Arsenal vs. FC Zurich
- Roma vs. Ludogorets
- Lazio vs. Feyenoord
- Real Betis vs. HJK Helsinki
- Union Berlin vs. Braga
- Malmo vs. Braga
- Nice vs. Koln
- Partizan Belgrade vs. Slovacko
- Gent vs. Djurgardens
