The Europa League's inaugural league phase has ended with Lazio topping the table and Manchester United and Tottenham finishing in the top eight

Format, fixtures, more ]Premier League sides Manchester United (3rd - 18 points) and Tottenham (4th - 17 points) are two of the eight that will avoid the first knockout round. Lazio (19 points) finished top with Athletic Bilbao behind them only on goal difference.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a forgettable season—both on and off the pitch. They are 15th in the Premier League table right now and are yet to sign a single outfield player after acquiring the services of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague at the start of January.