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Manchester United Travel to Rostov for Europa League Clash

By Luke Hambleton

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Stephane Ruffier of Saint-Etienne attempts to stop Juan Mata of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between Manchester United and AS Saint-Etienne at Old Trafford on February 16, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Stephane Ruffier of Saint-Etienne attempts to stop Juan Mata of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between Manchester United and AS Saint-Etienne at Old Trafford on February 16, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA – FEBRUARY 16: Dmitri Poloz (left) and Fedor Kudryashov (right) of Rostov celebrate after scoring a goal during the Europa League round of 32 first football match between FC Rostov and AC Sparta Prague on February 16, 2017 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Vasily Deryugin/Kommersant via Getty Images)
ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA – FEBRUARY 16: Dmitri Poloz (left) and Fedor Kudryashov (right) of Rostov celebrate after scoring a goal during the Europa League round of 32 first football match between FC Rostov and AC Sparta Prague on February 16, 2017 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Vasily Deryugin/Kommersant via Getty Images) /

The Opponents

FC Rostov entered the Europa League after their early exit from the Champions League group stages. The Russian side entered the Champions League through victories in the qualifying rounds over Anderlecht and Ajax.

After being drawn with Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and PSV in the group stages it was almost inevitable the side would leave the competition in 4th place. After drawing both the away and home fixture against PSV, Rostov spectacularly defeated Bayern Munich on the 5th matchday and was on the way to the Europa League. Their third place finish in the Champions League was impressive, but their league form has not followed suit.

Currently, in 7th place in the Russian Premier League table, Rostov sit 13 points off of league leaders Spartak Moscow. The side only sits 1 point off of the Europa League qualifying places, but the club, as well as the fans, expect the side to be competing for a Champions League spot.

While their league position may not be ideal, Rostov has successfully made it to the round of 16 in the Europe League. The manager, Ivan Daniliants, will hope his squad can take advantage of United’s long travels in the first leg. Danialiants’ squad has impressed in the Europa League so far and it will definitely be an interesting affair in Russia on Thursday.

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