UEL: Manchester United Reach Europa League Last 16 with 2-0 Win Over FCSB

Manchester United secured a 2-0 win over FCSB to reach the Europa League last 16, maintaining their unbeaten record in the competition.

Manchester United secured a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FCSB. The win marked the Red Devils' fourth consecutive triumph in the competition, while FCSB was relegated to the knockout play-offs.

FCSB, managed by Ruben Amorim, faced a challenging start in the hostile atmosphere of Bucharest. The hosts had an impressive record in their previous 22 home group stage/league phase matches in the UEL, losing only three. FCSB's Mihai Popescu had an early opportunity, but his volley from a set-piece drifted narrowly wide.

As the match progressed, Manchester United gained control and asserted their dominance. Kobbie Mainoo, the 19-year-old midfielder, had two chances to score. Initially, he showcased exceptional skill by controlling the ball in the box, but his weak volley was easily saved. Later, Mainoo missed another opportunity when he was picked out unmarked in the danger area by Rasmus Højlund, only to sky his effort over the bar.

Despite their dominance, Manchester United failed to capitalize on their chances in the first half, with a lack of ruthlessness being their primary downfall. FCSB, on the other hand, struggled to build on their early momentum, leaving the contest level at the break. Ruben Amorim made a bold double substitution ahead of the restart, introducing fresh attacking talent in an attempt to shift the dynamics of the match.

One of the substitutes, Alejandro Garnacho, almost made an immediate impact after pouncing on a defensive lapse in concentration. Garnacho bore down on goal and fired an effort against the post, narrowly missing the opening goal. Manchester United continued to assert their dominance, with Rasmus Højlund testing Ștefan Tarnovanu after receiving the ball from Lisandro Martínez. However, the Romanian goalkeeper scooped up the effort, denying Højlund the opening goal.

⏹️ Job done in Bucharest — well played, lads! 🫡#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 30, 2025

The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour mark, as Manchester United's persistence paid off. A well-worked move from a throw-in saw Kobbie Mainoo slide the ball across the face of goal, where Diogo Dalot arrived to fire home at the back post. This goal proved pivotal, as United doubled their lead less than 10 minutes later. Mainoo got on the scoresheet himself, sliding home from Garnacho's cutback after winning the ball deep in FCSB territory.

The 2024/25 #UEL league phase ✅ pic.twitter.com/BGnoQwzie1

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2025

The two goals after the hour mark proved to be the decisive blows for FCSB, as they were unable to respond to Manchester United's double. With the result seemingly wrapped up, Ruben Amorim took the opportunity to make a host of changes. Manchester United's victory secured their spot in the draw for the last 16 as the only unbeaten team in the league phase, while FCSB will have to settle for a spot in the play-offs.