Manchester United's English defender Harry Maguire runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on Dec 12, 2020. (PAUL ELLIS / POOL / AFP)

Manchester United have been handed a tough draw in the Europa League last 32 knockout stage where they will face current Spanish league leaders Real Sociedad.

Premier League strugglers Arsenal also have a tough draw against Portugal’s Benfica

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finished third in their Champions League group and dropped into the second tier competition after last week’s defeat by RB Leipzig.

The clash with Sociedad will see United come up against former Manchester City favourite David Silva, now back in his homeland where he has inspired Sociedad to their excellent start to the domestic season.

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The draw also produced a clash between two former European champions with AC Milan facing Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade while French league leaders Lille face Ajax Amsterdam in a fascinating tie.

Premier League strugglers Arsenal also have a tough draw against Portugal’s Benfica but their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are top of the league, will be happier with their tie against Austrian club Wolfsberger.