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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FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
56 min: Man United moving the ball a lot more quicker now, this attack ends with Hojlund shooting straight at Tarnovanu.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
52 min: The Man Utd substitutions has seen Dalot come over to left-wing back with Amad on the opposite flank.
Eriksen floats in a decent free-kick, Martinez gets a touch but can’t help the ball on for De Ligt.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
47 min: Change for FCSB to as Edjouma is replaced by Alhassan.
Almost a dream introduction for Garnacho as he pounces on a loose ball but sees his effort beat the goalkeeper and hit the outside of the post.
So unlucky.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
Back underway at the National Arena.
Garnacho and Amad are on for Malacia and Collyer.
HALF-TIME: FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
Goalless at the break in a game with very few chances so far.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
45 min: Three minutes of additional time has been signalled.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
43 min: The hosts have shown a bit more ambition in the last five minutes, pushing forward more and giving Man United one or two problems.
At the other end, Malacia delivers a teasing ball across the face of goal and he asks Hojlund why he wasn’t on the end of it.
Fair question.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
40 min: Bayindir is forced to put the ball out of play as he comes under pressure. That has given the home support a little lift and a ball into Man United’s box causes problems but the visitors eventually clear their lines.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
36 min: As things stand, both teams will secure a top eight finish.
FCSB 0-0 Manchester United
33 min: Sloppy spell from both sides as neither can keep the ball for a sustained period. Mazraoui draws a foul from Miculescu and Man United can build another attack.