Manchester United, Tottenham, and more: What to expect from Europa League's first round

The Europa League is on for 2024/25, with plenty of changes. With more teams in the main stage and an entirely new format without the traditional group phase, the competition starts off fresh from a box of innovation. The clashes are stretched now over eight rounds prior to the knockout stage. The idea is crystal clear: more excitement, more weight on each game, and with the potential to reshape how we see the competition.

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So, let's cut to the chase: what makes this first round so exciting? The big teams are in, and the matches are already raising eyebrows, if not just because of star-studded lineups, but also because of the stories behind these clashes.

Manchester United vs. Twente

Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches of this first round has to be Manchester United versus Twente. It was not only because United was a powerhouse in European soccer, but also in respect of the personal relationship that Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, had with the Dutch club. He spent a big part of his playing and coaching career with Twente and doesn't hide his emotion to face the club which is his soccer home.

But, all emotions aside, Ten Hag knows United has got to win. Twente, who had a good campaign in last season's Eredivisie, now wants to cause an upset and prove that it can be an uncomfortable customer, even against a giant like Manchester United.

Galatasaray vs. PAOK

Another great first round matchup would be Galatasaray vs. PAOK. This is more than a soccer game because, in essence, PAOK's team was formed by refugees that came from Constantinople, now modern-day Istanbul, where the match would be played. Almost touching historical symbolism within the context of this clash, adding an extra level of rivalry.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Qarabag

Tottenham Hotspur are back in European competition and, of course, they're looking to make a statement. Qarabag, the reigning champion of Azerbaijan, has previously faced Tottenham back in 2015, where the Spurs won 3-1 with Son Heung-min scoring twice. This time, under manager Ange Postecoglou, the London team enters the field with a certain amount of pressure to prove they can go deep in the Europa League.

Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao

At Roma, all eyes will be on the newly signed Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk. He already has plenty of expectation heaped onto him. However, classic Spanish team Athletic Bilbao will not make life so easy, as its stars like Nico Williams and Unai Simón keep things in order.

Ajax vs. Besiktas

Ajax take on Besiktas in a fixture that has occurred numerous times before, but one that has thus far only ended with a win for the Dutch side. However, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst now at the helm of the latter, the story might change. Knowing Ajax quite well, the Dutch manager has strengthened his side with reinforcements like Ciro Immobile and João Mário to try to turn the tide on the historic losing streak.