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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
TOM DUTTON

Man Utd permutations: What United need to win Uefa Europa League group

Manchester United face a straight shootout against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening as they aim to top their Europa League group and swerve a possible meeting with Ajax or Inter Milan.

The Red Devils sit top of Group L ahead of the Dutch outfit and know they will progress as group winners if they avoid defeat at Old Trafford.

AZ Alkmaar, who held United to a goalless draw at the AFAS Stadion in October, must win to leapfrog their hosts, but are already assured of their place in the last 32 regardless.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be keen to avoid the top-seeded Champions League dropouts, with last year's semi-finalists Ajax among a quartet of possible opponents if United finish second in their group.

If Solskjaer's men avoid defeat and win their group, Bayer Leverkusen, Shakhtar Donestsk, Olympiacos and Club Brugge are among the toughest possible opponents in the round of 32.​

Who will win on Thursday? Vote in our poll above!

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