Manchester United secured their spot in the last-16 stage of the Europa League courtesy of a 2-0 victory over FCSB in their final match in the league phase of the competition on Thursday night.
The three points has seen the 20-time English champions claim third in the Europa League table, boasting 18 points from eight matches, while FCSB have been made to settle for a spot in the playoffs, finishing in 11th spot, which represents an excellent campaign for the Romanian giants.
The Red Devils twice hit the woodwork through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes before the breakthrough arrived on the hour, with Diogo Dalot, who had moved across to the left-sided wing-back role, converting a cross from Kobbie Mainoo.
Daniel Birligea thumped one against the crossbar soon after, with FCSB bidding to hit back, but Man United netted a second in the 68th minute when Mainoo slotted a cross from Garnacho into the back of the net.
Ruben Amorim's side will face either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or FC Midtjylland in the round of 16.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Man United are not going to finish in the Champions League spots in the Premier League table unless something quite extraordinary happens, which places such huge importance on the Europa League this season, as it offers a route into next season's Champions League.
For all of their issues, the 20-time English champions must be considered among the favourites for this competition, and an impressive league-phase campaign has seen them finish with 18 points from eight matches.
Man United are improving, boasting three straight wins, while they have been victorious in five of their last six matches in all competitions, and this was a hugely positive night for Amorim.
The issues in the final third are still there for all to see - Man United need a striker - but there is a lot of talent in the squad, and Mainoo in particular demonstrated that he can have a huge impact as one of the number 10s.
As for FCSB, it was not their night, with the hosts second-best for the majority of the contest, but they have finished inside the playoffs and can take a lot from their performance in the league phase of the competition.
FCSB VS. MAN UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Diogo Dalot goal vs. FCSB (60th min, FCSB 0-1 Man United)
Diogo Dalot slots home from a Kobbie Mainoo assist to give Man United the lead over FCSB ⚽️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 30, 2025
They're automatically through to the Europa League Round of 16 as things stand 👀
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/KamCsTYr9L
Man United make the breakthrough on the hour in Romania, as Dalot converts a brilliant low cross from Mainoo; it is an excellent team move from the Red Devils, who deserve to be ahead due to their domination of the ball.
Kobbie Mainoo goal vs. FCSB (68th min, FCSB 0-2 Man United)
Kobbie Mainoo with a smooth finish to extend Man United's lead 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 30, 2025
He has a goal and assist in his first start in attacking midfield under Ruben Amorim 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/85JM9aoSCd
Man United double their advantage in the 68th minute of the match, as Mainoo slots a low cross from Garnacho into the back of the net - excellent team goal from the Red Devils, who are two goals ahead now and in a very strong position.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KOBBIE MAINOO
© Imago
Lisandro Martinez deserves a mention here, with the Argentina in excellent form on Thursday night, but Mainoo secures the award, with the Englishman thriving in an advanced area against FCSB.
The England international set up Dalot for Man United's first before scoring himself soon after, and he was such a huge threat in an advanced area, with FCSB struggling to deal with his movement and quality on the ball.
FCSB vs. MAN UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: FCSB 30%-70% Man United
Shots: FCSB 8-21 Man United
Shots on target: FCSB 3-7 Man United
Corners: FCSB 3-6 Man United
Fouls: FCSB 14-10 Man United
BEST STATS
2004 - Kobbie Mainoo is the first Manchester United player to score and assist a goal on his first major European start since Wayne Rooney in September 2004 against Fenerbahçe. Entrance. pic.twitter.com/F6U3kdnn4u
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 30, 2025
Man United are the only side in the Champions League and Europa League to go unbeaten in the league phase 📈 pic.twitter.com/AD0NkRo4K9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 30, 2025
4 - Ruben Amorim is the second Manchester United manager to win his first four major European matches in charge, after Alex Ferguson in the 1990-91 Cup Winners' Cup, with United winning the competition that season. Building. pic.twitter.com/l35tTqholY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 30, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Man United's attention will now switch back to England's top flight, with the Red Devils welcoming Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon; Amorim's side are currently 12th in the Premier League table, and they will be aiming to build on their 1-0 success over Fulham last weekend.
As for FCSB, their Romanian top-flight campaign will continue on Sunday evening against CFR Cluj; Elias Charalambous' side are second in Liga I, level on points with division leaders Universitatea Cluj.
Matt Law
