Manchester United have had their European group stage as a chance to almost let off steam from the disappointing league campaign, as they have gone through the extended group format unbeaten, looking at the final away trip to secure a top 8 finish and therefore avoid the 2-legged playoff round. Standing in their way, FCSB also had desires on getting through the group stage, knowing a historic win for them would help in their quest for the top 8.

The game was quite steady and slow for the first period, until an arrival of some of United’s young attacking sparks could help break the deadlock, and with a comfortable result coming from this, United can now focus back on domestic matters while the European playoffs take place.

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Teams

Amorim went for a full strength XI despite many expecting United to have a comfortable evening on a European away trip, with only the swap in goalkeeper being a big change, and of course the biggest alteration being with the advanced role given to Mainoo. While it appeared initially that Fernandes would play as one of the ’10’ roles, it was Mainoo who stepped forward and put in a strong argument for pushing forward more regularly. The young attacking options were also called upon from the bench as United needed to push on in the second half, and it was a late surge that saw United over the line.

For FCSB, they opted for a back 5 as they were surely expecting to play for large periods on the back-foot. They could still cause occasional issues in an attacking sense, however the gulf in quality (on paper) was clear to see from the starting XI’s.

FCSB: Tarnovanu, Radunovic, Dawa, Ngezana, Popescu, Cretu (Baluta 66′), Miculescu (Musi 77′), Sut, Edjouma (Alhassan 46′), Birligea, Tanase (Stefanescu 77′)

Subs: Udrea, Pantea, Chiriches, Popa, Toma

Manchester United: Bayindir, Martinez (Yoro 71′), De Ligt, Mazraoui, Malacia (Garnacho 46′), Fernandes, Collyer (Amad 46′), Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen (Casemiro 71′), Hojlund (Zirkzee 80′)

Subs: Onana, Heaton, Maguire, Lindelof, Ugarte

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over FCSB at the National Arena in Bucharest, ensuring direct progression to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the win, with Mainoo delivering a standout performance in an advanced midfield role.

The first half was largely uneventful, with United controlling possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Alejandro Garnacho, introduced at halftime, injected energy into the attack, hitting the post shortly after coming on. Bruno Fernandes also struck the crossbar, signalling United’s growing threat.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Mainoo’s low cross found Dalot at the back post for a simple finish. Eight minutes later, Garnacho’s cutback was calmly slotted home by Mainoo, doubling United’s lead. Despite a late effort from FCSB’s Daniel Birligea hitting the woodwork, United maintained control to secure the win.

With this result, Manchester United concluded the league phase unbeaten and advanced directly to the Round of 16, avoiding the playoff round. They will face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland in March.

Talking Points

Manchester United capped off their Europa League group stage campaign in style with a 2-0 win over FCSB in Bucharest, a result that sees Ruben Amorim’s side secure 3rd in the new-look group stage, and progress directly to the round of 16. Avoiding the knockout round play-offs is a significant advantage, both in terms of fixture congestion and opponent difficulty. With a busy domestic schedule ahead, United will welcome the extra preparation time before European competition resumes in March.

The win also preserved United’s unbeaten record in the competition this season, underlining their steady European form despite domestic inconsistency. While not always dazzling, the Red Devils have shown composure and control throughout the league phase, managing games well and demonstrating a growing maturity in continental play. The professional nature of the performance in Romania, with few chances conceded and clinical execution when it mattered, highlighted the discipline Amorim is attempting to instil in his squad.

Arguably the standout performer on the night was Kobbie Mainoo, who shone in a more advanced midfield role. The 18-year-old produced a confident display beyond his years, providing the assist for Diogo Dalot’s opener before calmly slotting home United’s second. His movement, vision, and technical assurance gave United a creative edge and offered a glimpse of a potential long-term solution in the No.10 role. Mainoo stepped up decisively, continuing his impressive rise and staking a strong claim for more minutes in key fixtures to come.