Manchester United will play St-Etienne in the Europa League

Manchester United have been drawn against French side AS Saint-Étienne in the Europa League round of 32. The first leg, at Old Trafford, will be played on 16 February, and the return leg will be played on 23 February.

Once the most powerful side in France, les Verts — the Greens — are currently eighth in Ligue 1, and finished sixth last season, meaning they had to make their way through one round of qualifying, then the playoffs, before reaching the Europa League group stage. They did well in the group, going six games unbeaten and finishing ahead of Anderlecht, Mainz, and Azerbaijani side Gabala FK.

Though they have no real big names in the squad, you may remember Henri Saivet, who played briefly for Newcastle, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, once of Cardiff City, and Jordan Veretout, on loan in France from Aston Villa. You might also recognise the name of one Florentin Pogba, Paul's older brother.

United have met St Etienne before, in the 1977-78 European Cup-Winners' Cup. The first leg was held at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard and United managed a 1-1 draw, before winning the second leg 2-0 back at Old Trafford.

Update: in fact, it was Home Park in Plymouth, where the Argyle normally reside. According to the Guardian, United's fans "went on the rampage" in the first leg and the club were briefly thrown out of the competition, before being allowed back on the condition that the second leg be played at least 200km from Old Trafford. Clearly, Plymouth was the obvious choice.