The Reds have reached this stage of the competition by finishing top of Group L with 13 points from a possible 18 and the Europa League represents an excellent opportunity to lift a trophy this season.
Brugge were paired with United during December’s draw at the UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, with the ties due to be played at Jan Breydel Stadium this week and then Old Trafford on 27 February.
The Belgian club are entering the competition after their elimination from the Champions League, in which they finished third in Group A behind European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.