Manchester United completed an unbeaten Europa League phase, earning a bye to the round of 16. The Reds finished third in the Europa League phase thus an automatic round of 16 ticket.
Manchester United completed their group-stage matches by defeating FCSB 2-0 on the final day. With the victory, the Red Devils earned a bye straight to the round of 16 avoiding a two-legged playoff to qualify.
This serves as a big boost for Ruben Amorim’s side given he took over the team mid-campaign following the firing of Erik ten Hag. Not to mention, an overall confidence boost in his project moving forward for fans.
Kobbie Mainoo was involved in the two goals as he assisted the first and netted in the second to grant United the win. Played as a number 10, he had a good day in office and was later named the Player of the Match.
United boss Reuben Amorim said he was delighted with the impact of the 19-year-old.
“Kobbie was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder but now more as a 10, you can feel that he was so free playing the ball near the box. Near the box he is really good, with the small connections. We need time to work with the players to understand what is the best position for them.”
Alejandro Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes would have scored in the first half but both hit the woodwork for Ruben Amorim’s team. Amorim made two changes after a goalless first half, bringing on Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, with the latter soon hitting the post.
United looked more threatening and took the lead when Mainoo squared for Dalot. Diogo Dalot converted a Kobbie Mainoo cross from a close-range tap in on the hour mark. The Romanian side, FCSB almost hit back immediately, but Daniel Bîrligea was denied by the crossbar.
In the sixty-seventh minute, Mainoo found the back of the net from a Garnacho low-lying cross making sure of the victory via a perfectly placed effort.
“I don’t see a big difference in the way that we play, but today we had more time to think and now you can see some movements. The idea is there because we have more time to play and to understand the game. I think we can go game by game and we can win it.” said United’s Coach Amorin
United’s win in Bucharest means they skip next month’s play-offs, with a last-16 match awaiting in March against Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or FC Midtjylland.
The Red’s focus shifts to a home Premier League fixture on Sunday, February 2 against Crystal Palace at 1400 hrs.
