Manchester United fans are growing concerned with how their season may pan out, following the Europa League draw earlier today.
The Red Devils saw off St. Etienne 4-0 on aggregate to progress to the Round of 16, but they’ve now been drawn against Russian outfit FC Rostov.
#MUFC will play Rostov in the @EuropaLeague Round of 16.
Away leg: 9 March
Home leg: 16 March(Dates TBC) #UEL pic.twitter.com/P1JbrQVWI1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 24, 2017
They’re currently seventh in the Russian Premier League so on paper, Manchester United should be able to dispense of them in relatively simple fashion.
But manager Kurban Berdyev has some impressive scalps on his CV and the trip to Russia is never easy for English teams, whilst conditions can also prove problematic when it comes to the match itself.
FYI, Rostov manager Kurban Berdyev has beaten Barcelona away, Atletico Madrid away, Chelsea, Spurs, Inter, Bayern over the past few years.
— Artur Petrosyan (@arturpetrosyan) February 24, 2017
However, Manchester United patrons in the Tavern are more worried about how the trip to and from Russia will affect their FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea, which comes just four days later on March 13th.
The Blues already boast home advantage and arguably better form, currently top of the Premier League, but the Red Devils could now be further hindered by the journey to the other side of the continent.
Manchester United fans on Twitter are equally concerned as those in the Tavern…
Expecting our season to crumble in March, 4 tough games in 10 days (Rostov away, Chelsea away, Rostov home, Boro away).
— Aziz (@MagicalMartial) February 24, 2017
Travelling to Rostov a few days before Chelsea away is not particularly ideal…
— Magnus Henderson (@UtdThought) February 24, 2017
Rostov it is. Huge travelling miles before Chelsea the only negative. #MUFC #EuropaLeague
— Sean McPolin (@SeanMcPolin1) February 24, 2017
Another potential boost for Chelsea – United face a 17-hour round trip to Rostov three days before FA Cup quarter-final on March 13 #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 24, 2017
Rostov and then 3 days later chelsea.. great
— Siar hassan (@siar_hassan) February 24, 2017
Playing Rostov away four days before the cup game v Chelsea is hardly ideal though. Better smash them 4-0 at OT and send a reduced squad.
— Nicolas (@Nicopoleides) February 24, 2017
Which game should Jose Mourinho prioritise Manchester United fans – Rostov or Chelsea? Let us know by commenting below!
