FCSB vs Manchester United LIVE: Europa League result and reaction as Dalot and Mainoo goals secure win
FCSB 0-2 Man Utd: Ruben Amorim’s men booked their place in the last-16 with a fine outing in Romania
Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League last-16 with a competent if unspectacular performance away at FCSB.
Ruben Amorim’s side controlled the game from the very start and dominated possession in the first half though they found it difficult to break through the hosts’ defences. FCSB actually came closest to opening the scoring as Mihai Popescu met a free kick and poked the ball just wide of the target.
United, however, lacked tempo and pace but with a firm grip on the game Amorim made changes at half-time and brought on pacey wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
The deadlock came from a quick throw in from Amad who found Christian Eriksen. The Dane slipped Kobbie Mainoo into the box and he squared to Diogo Dalot for a tap in. Garnacho then had his say in the second goal. He bombed forward on the left, received the ball from Mainoo then sent it back to the midfielder who side-footed home.
It’s three wins from three now for Man Utd and their Europa League campaign is going swimmingly.
Relive the updates from the National Arena in Bucharest in our live blog below:
A look at FCSB
FCSB sit second in the Romanian top-flight on goal difference.
They are unbeaten in their last four Europa League matches, beating Midtjylland and Qarabag while settling for goalless draws against Olympiacos and Hoffenheim.
They have lost just one of their matches in this competition in 2024/25. However, that was a heavy defeat as they went down 4-0 at Rangers, the team United beat last time out.
De Ligt on United's chances
Matthijs de Ligt added: "We are undefeated so far [in the Europa League], so good in that respect.
“There were a few matches that we drew and which we should have won.
“There's always room for improvement, but I believe we are one of the best eight teams [in the league phase]."
Ugarte on United's Europea campaign
The midfielder said: "I think it's been quite positive. United must win every match because of the club we are.
“But I think we are doing well and the next match will be very important.
“From now on, it's about doing everything we can, resting and eating well, so that we are in the best shape."
The damning final truth of Antony’s Manchester United nightmare
Ruben Amorim was discussing a forward he doesn’t pick. He would, he said on Sunday, be willing to put his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench ahead of him if he didn’t give the maximum in training.
It wasn’t Antony he was talking about: Marcus Rashford was the man damned by comparison with Jorge Vital. (Although a spot on the bench has already opened up.)
The temptation is to suggest the veteran Vital would be of similar use to Antony as a substitute.
The damning final truth of Antony’s Manchester United nightmare
Ugarte on playing for Man Utd
Manuel Ugarte spoke about what it is like to play for Manchester United.
He said: "I talk to Facu [Facundo] Pellistri every day because he is a very close friend of mine.
“I talked to Diego Forlán and Edi [Edinson] Cavani in Uruguay. This is something that unites us and it's quite beautiful.
“You realise every player who leaves the team keeps that passion and love for United and that says a lot about this club, its history, the passion of the fans and the players who have been part of this club."
Shaw back in training
It looks increasingly likely that Manchester United will bring a left wingback into the squad during this transfer window as a deal fro Patrick Dorgu moves closer.
More good news for Ruben Amorim and co. is that Luke Shaw has returned to training and should be in contention to play soon.
He has been left out of tonight’s squad though as he is still not match fit but could play a role at the weekend.
Amorim on rotating players
Here’s Ruben Amorim talking in the build-up to tonight’s match about how he will choose the players.
"We have to rotate some players," he said. "Everybody is prepared - and it is crucial for us to stay in the top eight and to avoid the play-offs.
"Like I've said so many times, we need time to train. We need to rest some players also, so we need to win tomorrow.
"We have to face the game in a good way, fight for every ball, but to improve with the possession and we'll try, tomorrow, with the starting XI, to have players with a lot of possession, to control the game, because it's really important, especially in the beginning."
Manchester United receive huge injury boost after star returns to training ahead of Europa League clash
Manchester United received a boost on the eve of their Europe League game in Romania with Luke Shaw returning to training, as well an appearance from under-fire Marcus Rashford.
Shaw had featured in Ruben Amorim’s first three matches in charge, only for the left-back to suffer his latest injury setback that has kept him out since the start of December.
Shaw's return is timely as United pursue Lecce's Patrick Dorgu to strengthen their left-back options before Monday’s transfer deadline.
United receive huge injury boost after Shaw returns to training ahead of Europa clash
FCSB vs Man Utd prediction
Ruben Amorim’s team are going through a good spell and the Europa League has been one of their more positive competitions this season.
With the possibility of a last-16 place on the line expect the Red Devils to turn up and find a way past their opponent.
It won’t be pretty and at times they will have to suffer but individual quality should carry then over the line.
FCSB 1-2 Man Utd.
Man Utd eary team news
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is a doubt after suffering a knock against Fulham, while Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Jonny Evans remain sidelined.
Marcus Rashford remains at the club for now but is firmly out of favour.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Collyer, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund
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