Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over FCSB at the Arena Nationala in Bucharest. Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo ensured that Erik ten Hag’s side finished third in the league-phase standings, avoiding the knockout play-offs.
The Red Devils endured a slow first half, but they turned up the heat after the break, dominating the game and twice hitting the woodwork before sealing the win.
🔥 Match Recap: FCSB 0-2 Manchester United
⏳ First Half: A Slow Start with Few Clear Chances
United started the game with control of possession but lacked urgency in attack.
- 12th minute: FCSB nearly took a shock lead when Mihai Popescu failed to convert a dangerous free-kick from Risto Radunovic.
- 30th minute: Kobbie Mainoo had United’s best chance, blazing over the bar after great link-up play with Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite United’s dominance, they lacked sharpness in the final third and went into halftime frustrated.
⚡ Second Half: United Take Control
Erik ten Hag’s halftime adjustments made an immediate impact, with substitutes and quick passing unlocking the FCSB defense.
- 46th minute: Alejandro Garnacho came close just seconds after the restart, clipping the post after pouncing on a loose back pass.
- 50th minute: Bruno Fernandes smashed the crossbar with a stunning 35-yard strike, signaling United’s growing attacking intent.
United finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute:
đź”´ Goal – Diogo Dalot (56′)
A quick throw-in from Amad Diallo found Kobbie Mainoo, who delivered a brilliant low cross to the far post, where Dalot tapped home to give United the lead.
FCSB almost responded instantly, but Daniel Birligea’s long-range strike crashed off the underside of the bar, with Florin Tanase heading the rebound wide (and was offside anyway).
đź”´ Goal – Kobbie Mainoo (72′)
Mainoo then turned from provider to scorer, guiding a low shot into the bottom-right corner from Garnacho’s precise cutback.
United controlled the game from that moment, securing a fifth consecutive win in the Europa League.
đź“Š Key Match Stats & Data Debrief
- 🎩 Mainoo Emulates Wayne Rooney
- Mainoo became the first Manchester United player to register a goal & assist in his first European start since Wayne Rooney (September 2004 vs Fenerbahce).
- 🔥 United’s Europa League Dominance
- This was United’s fifth consecutive win in the competition, their best streak since September – November 2022.
- 🛑 FCSB’s Scoring Woes
- The Romanian side failed to score in four of their league-phase games, with only Ludogorets and Dynamo Kyiv (5 each) failing to score more often in the Europa League this season.
🏆 What’s Next for Manchester United in the Europa League?
By finishing third in the league-phase standings, United avoid the play-off round and go straight into the Europa League last 16.
🔹 Potential Opponents in the Last 16
âś… AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
âś… Midtjylland (Denmark)
âś… FCSB (Romania)
âś… Ajax (Netherlands)
United will learn their opponent in the draw, which takes place next week.
🎙️ Manager & Player Reactions
🗣️ Erik ten Hag (Manchester United Manager):
“The first half wasn’t good enough, but in the second half, we showed our quality. Mainoo was fantastic, and the team responded well after the break.”
🗣️ Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United Midfielder):
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to score my first goal in Europe. Growing up watching Wayne Rooney do this, and now to be on the scoresheet for United, it’s special.”
đź”® Can Manchester United Win the Europa League?
With their resurgence in form, strong squad depth, and tactical improvements, Manchester United are now among the favorites for the Europa League title. Can Erik ten Hag’s men go all the way?
🔴 Drop your predictions in the comments below! 👇
âš˝ Stay Updated!
📢 Follow CupsDeeps for exclusive football coverage, tactical insights, and breaking news.
