FCSB vs Manchester United Report

Scorers: Dalot 60’, Mainoo 68’

Manchester United booked their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 with a composed 2-0 victory over FCSB in Bucharest.

The win ensured the Red Devils finished third in the inaugural league phase, albeit narrowly missing out on a top-two finish that would have granted them a more favourable draw.

Despite making five changes to the side that won against Fulham in the Premier League, Rúben Amorim’s men delivered a professional performance to remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

Dominant First Half but No Breakthrough for United

United asserted their authority early at the National Stadium of Romania, pressing high and dictating possession. Their first opportunity arrived within five minutes when Christian Eriksen’s inviting free-kick was met by Matthijs de Ligt, who sent his header agonisingly wide.

However, FCSB provided an early warning sign of their own when Risto Radunovic whipped in a dangerous cross that found Mihai Popescu in the box. The defender’s effort was inches away from finding the net but drifted narrowly wide of Altay Bayindir’s post.

That close call prompted a more focused response from United, who took control of possession but struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third.

Kobbie Mainoo came closest, blazing over from 12 yards after a well-worked move, while Lisandro Martínez’s dangerous ball into the box was well dealt with by FCSB goalkeeper Stefan Târnovanu.

With the game still goalless at half-time, Amorim opted to inject more attacking intent by introducing Alejandro Garnacho and Amad, a move that almost paid dividends immediately.

Dalot and Mainoo Fire United to Victory

United’s fresh attacking impetus was evident straight after the break. Within five minutes of the restart, Garnacho latched onto a through ball and raced through on goal, only to see his effort clip the outside of the post.

However, United’s persistence was rewarded just before the hour mark. A pinpoint delivery from Mainoo found Diogo Dalot at the far post, and the Portuguese full-back calmly slotted home to break the deadlock in front of the jubilant travelling supporters.

FCSB attempted an immediate response and nearly levelled just three minutes later. Daniel Bîrligea unleashed a powerful strike from range, rattling the underside of the crossbar.

Florin Tănase had the chance to turn in the rebound but sent his effort wide, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Any hopes of an FCSB comeback were dashed just eight minutes later when United doubled their advantage. Garnacho, lively since coming on, found space on the left and cut the ball back into the area, where Mainoo arrived at the perfect moment to fire home.

The goal not only secured the win but also ensured United’s unbeaten record in the competition remained intact.

Late Chances but No Third for United

With the game all but won, United had an opportunity to add a third goal in the closing stages. Bruno Fernandes found himself in a promising position, but Târnovanu’s sharp goalkeeping forced the Portuguese midfielder into a tight angle, and his effort rolled just wide of the far post.

Despite failing to extend their lead further, the Red Devils saw out the match comfortably, sealing a deserved 2-0 win that underlined their control throughout the contest.

United Progress but Just Miss Out on Top-Two Finish

While securing their place in the round of 16 was the primary objective, Manchester United will have some regrets about not finishing in the top two of the Europa League’s new league phase format. This means they will have to face a potentially tougher opponent in the knockout rounds.

Nevertheless, Amorim’s side will take confidence from their performances, particularly their defensive solidity and the influence of young talents such as Mainoo.

Remaining unbeaten in the tournament is no small feat, and United will now shift their focus to making a deep run in the competition.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s professional display against FCSB ensured they advanced to the next stage of the Europa League with an unblemished record.

Goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the win, highlighting the squad’s depth and ability to perform under pressure.

With knockout football on the horizon, United will be hoping to build on this momentum and push for Europa League glory.

The road ahead may not be straightforward, but with key players stepping up and the team showing resilience, the Red Devils remain strong contenders in the tournament.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
FCSB vs Man Utd | UEFA Europa League 2024/25