After failing to reach the Champions League under the guidance of David Moyes, Manchester United have now managed to qualify for Europe's most prestigious competition at the first time of asking under Jose Mourinho.

They certainly did it the hard way, winning the Europa League after finishing sixth in England's top-flight.

The Red Devils saw off Ajax in the final to earn their passage and on Thursday afternoon, they will learn who they face in the group stages.

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Six British teams will fight to qualify for the knockout stages with Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Celtic all in the draw.

But what teams are they likely to face? Here are their best and worst possible draws for Mourinho's men.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

Due to the fact that United are in Pot 2, they will avoid Barcelona, Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid. But, Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich represent formidable foes.

Scenario 1:

  • Real Madrid
  • Manchester United
  • Napoli
  • RB Leipzig

Scenario 2:

  • Juventus
  • Manchester United
  • Roma
  • Sporting

Scenario 3: 

  • Bayern Munich
  • Manchester United
  • Roma
  • Sporting

All three possibilities look daunting with Napoli, Roma and Leipzig all representing incredibly difficult fixtures from Pots 3 and 4.

However, things may swing in Mourinho's favour and he could be handed a draw that will have him and fans already fantasising about the next stage.

BEST CASE SCENARIO

The lowest ranked sides in Pot 1 are Spartak Moscow and Shakhtar Donetsk and both are just a tad easier than the prospect of facing Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid.

Scenario 1:

  • Spartak Moscow
  • Manchester United
  • FC Basel
  • APOEL Nicosia

Scenario 2:

  • Shakhtar 
  • Manchester United
  • Anderlecht
  • Maribor

Now, from a United point of view, they look a lot more promising, although, the Red Devils did struggle to see off Anderlecht in last year's Europa League quarter-final.

Mourinho's side have started the season brilliantly, recording back-to-back 4-0 wins in the Premier League and there is genuine optimism that they can make a big statement in Europe as well.

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