FCSB vs Manchester United as it happened: Kobbie Mainoo shines as Red Devils avoid Europa League play-off

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Evening Standard

·30 Januari 2025

FCSB vs Manchester United as it happened: Kobbie Mainoo shines as Red Devils avoid Europa League play-off

The Red Devils finish third in the League Phase

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Manchester United delivered the result that Ruben Amorim had demanded as they beat FCSB 2-0 to qualify for the Europa League last 16 stage.

Already guaranteed a play-off place at the minimum prior to kick-off, the United boss had urged his side to finish the job in Bucharest by sealing a top eight finish and watched his side do just that thanks to a much improved second half performance. Moments after Bruno Fernandes saw his shot come back off the crossbar, Diogo Dalot broke the deadlock.

That goal sparked the hosts into life and they came agonisingly close to responding with an equaliser as when Daniel Birligea crashed an effort against the post after being afforded too much space. Not too long after, United’s provider for the first goal turned goalscorer for the second as Mainoo swapped passes with Garnacho before cooly stroking the ball into the bottom corner to confirm the visitors’ place in the last-16.

There was still time for Altay Bayindir to make a couple of saves to preserve the clean sheet, while Man United came close to extending their lead on a number of occasions.

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Who can Manchester United face in last 16?

Man Utd's progression straight through to the last 16 means they have avoided two extra games next month. The gap in the calendar can be filled with extra training sessions as Amorim plots a successful end to the season.

The last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 21. The first leg of those ties will be played on March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.

As a result of finishing third in the league phase, Man Utd will either face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the 13th and 14th seeds, or the 19th and 20th seeds.

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