Manchester United Champions League play-off: Five potential opponents confirmed, Lazio and Monaco among them

Louis van Gaal's side could have to overcome some tough opposition to reach the group stage of the tournament

Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in training (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's potential Champions League play-off opponents were confirmed last night following the conclusion of the latest round of qualification games.

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

Due to Manchester United finishing last season in fourth position in the Premier League, they must play a two-legged tie in order to progress to the group stage of the full tournament.

The other teams that United could play are CSKA Moscow, Rapid Vienna or Club Brugge.

Lazio finished third in Serie A last season ahead of the likes of Fiorentina, Napoli and Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Monaco eliminated Arsenal at the Last-16 stage of the Champions League last season. Those two sides will be the ones Van Gaal most wants to avoid being drawn against.

Russian side CSKA Moscow showed their quality last season when they beat Manchester City at the Etihad during the group stage of the competition.

Meanwhile, Rapid Vienna showed they are capable of causing an upset by overcoming Dutch giants Ajax in the previous qualifying round. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, they won 3-2 in Amsterdam on Tuesday to progress.

Belgian champions Club Brugge overcame Panathinaikos to reach the final play-off round.

The first leg of the play-off will be played 18/19 August, with the second leg 25/26 August.