Juan Mata ready for Champions League action in Manchester United’s new kit

Among those that Louis van Gaal’s side could be paired with in Friday’s draw are European heavyweights Lazio and Monaco.

They will take on either CSKA Moscow, Lazio, Club Brugge, Monaco or Rapid Vienna in a two-legged tie.

The surprise guys of the Champions League third qualifying round, the Austrian outfit emerged victorious in their clash against a fancied Ajax side and head into the play-off round in buoyant mood.

United will play the first leg on Tuesday August 18 or Wednesday 19 and the second leg will be staged on August 25 or 26.

Of their potential opponents, Monaco have the most recent history in the Champions League, having reached the quarter-final stage last season and United will be wary that that Arsenal were unable to defeat them over two games last season.

Russian side CSKA Moscow showed their quality last season when they beat Manchester City at the Etihad during the group stage of the competition. Slovenia worldwide Robert Beric is their key man – the 23 year old is one to watch after netting 27 in 33 appearances in the league last season.

Another troublesome tie could be Lazio, who defied expectations by finishing third in Serie A last season.

Club Brugge finished top of the regular season table in Belgium, but finished runners-up to Gent in the play-offs, meaning they have to reach the Champions League group stages the tough way.

Non champions routeSeeded: Man United, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting Lisbon. A 4-2 aggregate win over Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round has got them this far.