FCSB 0-2 Manchester United: Mainoo & Garnacho Shine as United Secure Last 16 Spot

Man Utd Qualify for Europa League Last 16 with Dominant Win

• United clinch a crucial 2-0 victory over FCSB
• Goals from Diogo Dalot & Kobbie Mainoo seal the win
• Alejandro Garnacho impresses with a strong second-half display

Manchester United continued their impressive Europa League form with a 2-0 win over FCSB, securing direct qualification to the last 16. Ruben Amorim’s team followed up their Premier League triumph over Fulham with another strong performance, marking back-to-back wins and clean sheets.

🔥 How the Game Unfolded

Playing at the National Arena in Bucharest, United faced a hostile atmosphere as FCSB looked to cause an upset. The hosts came close in the 10th minute when Mihai Popescu’s volley from a Risto Radunovic free-kick narrowly missed the target.

United responded quickly, with Kobbie Mainoo dazzling with a flick over a defender inside the box, though he couldn’t finish. The 19-year-old then squandered another great opportunity after Rasmus Hojlund’s cutback.

Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar in the second half, moments before United broke the deadlock. Mainoo’s clever movement from a throw-in created space for a low cross, which found Diogo Dalot, who finished clinically at the far post.

Minutes later, FCSB’s Daniel Birligea rattled the crossbar, reminding United of the danger. But it was Mainoo who doubled the lead, converting Garnacho’s cutback with a composed first-time finish.

Despite a late push from FCSB substitutes Stefanescu, Baluta, and Birligea, Altay Bayindir stood firm to secure a clean sheet. Fernandes nearly added a third after a stunning Garnacho backheel, but the score remained 2-0.

📈 Straight into the Last 16

Manchester United didn’t have an ideal start to the Europa League, drawing against Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce. However, a turnaround saw them claim four consecutive wins against PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, and Rangers.

This fifth consecutive victory propelled them to third place, finishing just one point behind Lazio and Athletic Club. Securing direct last 16 qualification is crucial, as it eliminates the knockout play-off round, giving Amorim’s side two free midweeks in an already packed schedule.

⭐ Mainoo’s Attacking Influence

Kobbie Mainoo, typically a deeper midfielder, played in a more advanced role against FCSB, swapping positions with Bruno Fernandes.

• His attacking movement created multiple chances.
• He assisted Dalot’s opener and scored the second goal himself.
• This performance raises the question: Should Mainoo play further forward more often?

⚡ Garnacho’s Game-Changing Impact

Alejandro Garnacho, returning after illness, entered at half-time and immediately injected pace and creativity into United’s attack.

• Hit the post within minutes of coming on.
• Set up Mainoo’s goal with a well-timed cutback.
• Showed why he deserves more game time in Amorim’s system.

Given his impact, does United really need to sell Garnacho in the final days of the transfer window?

🔥 Collyer’s Rise Continues

Young midfielder Toby Collyer continues to impress Amorim, earning his sixth consecutive appearance across all competitions.

• Played a solid first half, before being replaced by Amad Diallo.
• Earned praise from Lisandro Martinez for his work rate.
• Could he become a key squad player?

🏆 What’s Next for United?

With Europa League knockout football secured, Manchester United can now focus on domestic competitions. Should Amorim continue experimenting with Mainoo’s position? Does Garnacho deserve a starting spot moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!