United boss Jose Mourinho had previously suggested he would prioritise winning the Europa League -- which would guarantee Champions League qualification -- if they eliminated Rostov in the round of 16.

United's first ever European game came against Anderlecht in 1956, and United won 2-0 in the European Cup preliminary rounds. Their 10-0 victory in the second leg remains United's record win. The two clubs met again in the 1968 European Cup second round, when United progressed 4-3 on aggregate.

Anderlecht are at the top of the Belgian First Division on goal difference and reached this stage of the Europa League by beating Apoel Nicosia 1-0 home and away in the round of 16.

Jose Mourinho failed to see the funny side after he gave Marcos Rojo a banana during their match versus Rostov.

Anderlecht president Roger Vanden Stock said: "This is the toughest draw we could have, but you never know, we didn't think we would get past Zenit [in the round-of-32]. No, it is a team of Champions League level with tremendous qualities."

Sports manager Herman Van Holsbeeck added: "The president is right, it is a very tough draw. The games will be very tough, especially because we are at home first and then play away.

"After the match in England, we have a top match against Club Brugge. But above all it is a beautiful tie. A unique opportunity for our players to play against such a team and to show themselves at the European level."

Should Mourinho's side win the competition this season, they would become only the fifth club to win all three major European trophies, after Ajax, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus.

Celta Vigo will face the other Belgian side in the final eight of the tournament, Genk, while two former winners of the UEFA Cup face off in Ajax and Schalke.

In the final game of the round, Lyon take on Besiktas in a tie involving two sides that entered the tournament after finishing third in their Champions League groups.

Ties to be played April 6 and 13: