On February 12, Old Trafford will host the first league of the last-32 Europa League tie between Manchester United and Ligue 1 counterparts St Etienne.

The sides will then meet again at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on February 22.

But are the matches important to the French side?

Taking comments made by Les Verts boss Christophe Galtier on Tuesday at face value, the Ligue 1 side aren’t too bothered if they exit the Europa League to the Red Devils.

Galtier met the press on Tuesday ahead of a monster match against Nice on Wednesday night in domestic league action.

St Etienne are currently fifth in the French top flight. They are a point behind Lyon (who hold the final Europa League place), while they are 13 points off third-placed Nice and second-placed PSG.

With so much going on for St Etienne, Galtier made the following statement:

“There can be no relaxation, I do not fear that, even if we have to think about it. The most important matches will obviously be next, Nice, and Lorient.

“The two games against Manchester United are certainly the least important games in the month of February.”

“Thanks to the team, thanks to the players, the investment and the work during the three weeks of training [during the winter break].

“We went out of the Coupe de France but in the league, we have managed to score points, to score goals and we must rely on this to keep challenging where we are.”

That’ll be music to the ears of Jose Mourinho, who may need Man United to win the Europa League to confirm their place in next season’s Champions League.