
Manchester United Secures Europa League Last-16 Spot with 2-0 Win Over FCSB
Manchester United has officially booked their place in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 after a solid 2-0 victory over FCSB in Bucharest. A controlled and composed performance saw United break through in the second half, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo securing the crucial win.
It was a match where patience and persistence paid off. United, starting the evening in fourth place, dominated possession from the start, controlling 68% of the ball in the opening 10 minutes. However, FCSB had the first real chance of the game when Mihai Popescu came close to converting a dangerous free-kick, only to see his effort go narrowly wide. That scare seemed to jolt United into action, with Christian Eriksen and Mainoo both testing the Romanian defense. Mainoo, in particular, came agonizingly close to scoring in the 19th minute but sent his shot over the crossbar after a clever buildup with Rasmus Højlund.
Despite United’s attacking intent, the first half ended goalless, with FCSB holding firm at the back. But the breakthrough came shortly after the restart. Alejandro Garnacho, introduced at halftime, nearly made an instant impact when he pounced on a defensive mistake and struck the post. Bruno Fernandes then rattled the crossbar with a stunning long-range shot, as United intensified their push for a goal.
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That persistence finally paid off in the 60th minute. After a quick exchange on the right flank, Christian Eriksen played a precise ball into the path of Mainoo, who delivered a perfect low cross for Diogo Dalot to finish into an empty net. Dalot, delighted with his first goal of the season, celebrated passionately with the traveling United fans.
Just eight minutes later, Mainoo turned from provider to scorer. Garnacho, showing great vision, cut the ball back to the young midfielder, who this time made no mistake, slotting a composed finish past the FCSB goalkeeper. The goal sealed the victory and ensured United’s direct qualification into the last 16, bypassing the play-off round.
FCSB attempted to fight back, with Daniel Birligea hitting the crossbar and substitute Alexandru Băluță testing goalkeeper Altay Bayındır late on. However, United remained in control until the final whistle, securing a professional and well-earned victory in Romania.
The result means Ruben Amorim’s side finishes third in the Europa League standings, ensuring their spot among the top eight teams advancing directly to the next round. It was a night where United’s quality and patience ultimately made the difference, with Kobbie Mainoo shining as one of the standout performers.
With this win, United now turns their focus to the FA Cup and Premier League fixtures ahead, knowing they have secured their place in Europe’s next stage.
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