Manchester United head for Denmark after being dumped out of Champions League

Under-fire manager Louis van Gaal at least has an easier option in the round of 32 of the Europa League; Liverpool also avoid a high-profile clash in taking on German side Augsburg while Tottenham are away to Fiorentina

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is under increasing scrutiny for his team’s results and playing style but his side have drawn a relatively easy match against Midtjylland of Denmark in the round of 32 of the Europa League. Photo: AP

Published: 12:23am, 15 Dec 2015Updated: 12:23am, 15 Dec 2015

Dumped out of the Champions League, Manchester United’s next European match will be a trip to western Denmark.

United were paired with Danish champion Midtjylland on Monday in the round of 32 of the Europa League.

Midtjylland, noted for their progressive management, were formed in 1999, midway through the English club’s celebrated treble-winning season when they won the second of their three European titles.

With United coach Louis van Gaal under increasing scrutiny for his team’s results and playing style, Midtjylland at least is a lower-key option than facing a Valencia team now coached by former Old Trafford great Gary Neville.

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp will be heading back to Germany when the Reds take on Augsburg in the first leg of their round-of-S32 tie in the Europa League. Photo: Reuters

Valencia, the 2004 Uefa Cup champion, were the first team picked and were paired with Rapid Vienna.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp also avoided a high-profile reunion, though he will head back to Germany. The Reds were drawn to face Augsburg, with the first leg on February 18 and the second leg a week later.