(Football news) The three points have 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.
Manchester United 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 Manchester 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.
Manchester 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 favorites for this competition, and an impressive league-phase campaign has seen them finish with 18 points from eight matches.
Manchester 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—Manchester 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 Manchester United Key Moments
Diogo Dalot goal vs. FCSB (60th min, FCSB 0-1 Manchester United)
Manchester 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 minute, FCSB 0-2 Manchester United)
Manchester 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—an 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
Lisandro Martinez deserves a mention here, with 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 Manchester 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
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