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Manchester United should win the Europa League but nobody believes they will

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Manchester United at the National Arena stadium, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Manchester United are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after finishing third in the league stage - AP/Andreea Alexandru

A club of Manchester United’s stature should be good enough to win the Europa League, to conquer some of the continent’s weaker, less affluent rivals and give Ruben Amorim a major trophy in his first season. A difficult, troubled and, at several points, worrying campaign could have a memorable silver lining.

But how much confidence do you have in this group to complete that mission? The tests will get harder, even for a side who can be happy with their third-place finish at the end of a protracted, but unbeaten, league phase. Lazio and Athletic Bilbao finished above them, while the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, Roma and of course, Tottenham Hotspur will present significant obstacles – the sort United have struggled to overcome.

Their potential opponents in the last 16 already look considerably more daunting, with one of either AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Real Sociedad or Galatasaray up next. But after a testing first couple of months, Amorim is starting to sound more confident; more upbeat.

“I think we can go game by game and we can win it,” he replied when asked if United had played well enough to be considered one of the favourites to win the final in Bilbao in May. “Then you have the responsibility, no matter the context, you are in Manchester United so you must fight for winning trophies. So we will see.

“When you get to this stage of any competition, anything is possible and they can prove, on a good day, they can win against anybody. So we can think about that [winning the competition].”

The defeat of Romania’s FCSB did not tell us much. Indeed, it took the introduction of Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho at half-time to threaten a resolute and organised defence, building the pressure that led to Diogo Dalot’s goal just after the hour mark.

When Kobbie Mainoo added a second, from a Garnacho pass, it was a good night for United. It was their third victory in a row under Amorim. Momentum appears to be building.

The same can be said for Mainoo. The England international has had a tricky period in his young career but a first goal of the season can do wonders for confidence. It was a deliberate decision to shift the midfielder higher up the pitch that paid dividends for Amorim. “I put Kobbie Mainoo in the No 10 position,” he said. “We need time to understand the players, as he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder. As a 10 he was so free playing the ball near the box.”

Nevertheless, this was a game United should have won anyway. The gap in quality between the two teams was yawning. FCSB are second in the Romanian SuperLiga. Their entire squad cost less to put together than United spent on substitute Joshua Zirkzee in the summer.

United controlled the tempo of the game throughout, but still struggled to turn their dominance into scoring chances. Rasmus Hojlund worked hard but could not score again, the 24th game this season in which he has failed to find the back of the net. It raises the question, again, why on earth did United spend £72 million on a centre-forward who rarely looks like scoring, even against opponents as timid and weak as these? This was a game Amorim would have earmarked as a perfect confidence-boosting opportunity for the Dane.

The Europa League, though, has rapidly moved to the top of Amorim’s priority list. A long run in Europe is the most effective way to distract from the lack of progress being made on the home front. They have a shot at glory. Whether they are good enough to take it is another matter. This was not a performance that screamed a class above anyone of the 24 sides left in the competition.

FCSB lost to Rangers 4-0 last year, but the home side should have scored early, as three players were left unmarked to attack a free-kick, Mihai Popescu heading wide when it looked easier to hit the target. United, though, were comfortable enough and Mainoo should have given Amorim’s side the lead midway through the first half.

January 30, 2025 Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund in action with FCSB's Stefan Tarnovanu Inquam
Rasmus Hojlund was ineffective in front of goal yet again - Reuters/Stefan Constantin

It was a good move down the left and Hojlund did everything right, drawing the defenders to him, before cutting the ball back for the midfielder to run on to. His shot, though, flew into the stands. If Hojlund deserves praise for his involvement in that move, there was not much else from him. A weak header at the goalkeeper from Lisandro Martínez’s lofted pass, a lot of running around, not a lot of danger created for the home team’s defence.

Amorim looked to add some energy to his attack with the introduction of Diallo and Garnacho and the latter could have scored within two minutes. Pouncing on an underhit back-pass, he was left with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his chipped shot spun as it bounced and clipped the outside of the post.

A Hojlund turn and shot rolled gently into the arms of the goalkeeper, but after Bruno Fernandes had hit the crossbar with a long-range strike, United finally got their goal through Dalot, who thumped his chest defiantly in celebration. It was a lead they almost lost immediately, Florin Tanase’s strike from the edge of the area smashing against the bar, bouncing down, but not over the line.


10:36 PM GMT

Ruben Amorim’s verdict

I think we controlled the game very well; we had a lot more possession. We have to understand the opponent: with all due respect it’s not the same level as the Premier League. So we had more time to think, to connect the play.

I think Kobbie in that position (No10) played very well, with more freedom and not so much responsibility running back. The lads did a good job – we kept a clean sheet again. We have to score more goals but in the end it was a good day for us.

In the first half they ran a lot to cover all the spaces, so you feel in the second half the opponent will get tired and it’s easier for the guys who come on as substitutes. But of course Garna has a different pace – he’s more like a forward, a winger; Amad is really good one against one and can open more space.

We want to improve a lot. We need to play like this against an opponent with more quality. The most important thing is not (three wiuns in a row), it is the next game.

The biggest thing, more than the win tonight, is to have (two free midweeks in February).


10:17 PM GMT

Job done

Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes applaud the away fans.
Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes applaud the away fans. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

10:08 PM GMT

All hail the Invincibles


10:02 PM GMT

Man Utd finish third in league stage

The other 17 games have finished, so we know for sure that Manchester United will face one of Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray in the last 16.

Kobbie Mainoo celebrates after putting Man Utd 2-0 ahead and into the last 16.
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates after putting Man Utd 2-0 ahead and into the last 16. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

10:02 PM GMT

Man Utd finish third in league stage

The other 17 games have finished, so we know for sure that Manchester United will face one of Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray in the last 16.

Kobbie Mainoo celebrates after putting Man Utd 2-0 ahead and into the last 16.
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates after putting Man Utd 2-0 ahead and into the last 16. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

09:56 PM GMT

FT: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Manchester United proceed straight to the last 16 after an ultimately comfortable win in Bucharest. They struggled to penetrate in the first half but the introduction of Amad Diallo and especially Alejandro Garnacho changed the mood and pace of the game. Diogo Dalot scored the first after a fine ball from Kobbie Mainoo, who scored the second to cap an exciting performance in an unusual No10 role.

The other games haven’t finished but at the moment United’s potential opponents are Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad or Galatasaray.

Kobbie Mainoo made one and scored one in a new role at No10.
Kobbie Mainoo made one and scored one in a new role at No10. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

09:51 PM GMT

90+1 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

A left-wing corner is headed towards goal by Birligea and pushed away instinctively by Bayindir. United break and Alhassan is booked for a foul on the excellent Garnacho.


09:50 PM GMT

90 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Fernandes’s free-kick is flicked towards goal by Casemiro, but he doesn’t get enough on it and Tarnovanu saves. Moments later, Fernandes runs onto a neat backheel from Garnacho, draws the keeper and sidefoots just wide of the far post.

Casemiro flicks towards goal.
Casemiro flicks towards goal. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

09:48 PM GMT

88 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Dawa wipes out Casemiro and is booked.


09:47 PM GMT

87 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Both teams know this game is over, so it’s all about what happens next. FCSB are 11th and will need a very unlikely turn of events to finish in the top eight; even so, a play-off place is a terrific effort.


09:44 PM GMT

83 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Baluta runs off Casemiro and drives a first-time shot that is pushed round the post by Bayindir. That’s his first save of the night; it was comfortable enough.


09:43 PM GMT

82 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

It will doubtless change, but at the moment Man Utd’s potential last 16 opponents are FC Porto, Union St Gallen, Galatasaray or Real Sociedad. Not the easiest.


09:40 PM GMT

80 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Man Utd substitution Joshua Zirkzee replaces Rasmus Hojlund, who worked very hard without reward.


09:39 PM GMT

79 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Man Utd have been so much better in the second half, not just the goals but the speed, penetration and imagination of their play. Hojlund almost gets a third, stabbing a shot into the side netting after a defensive mistake.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho celebrate Man Utd's second goal.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho celebrate Man Utd’s second goal. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

09:37 PM GMT

77 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

A fan runs on the pitch to try to get a selfie, I think with Garnacho. While he’s being escorted off the field, FCSB bring on Alexandru Musi and Marius Stefanescu for Tanase and Miculescu.


09:33 PM GMT

73 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Baluta fouls Dalot and is booked.


09:32 PM GMT

72 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Who’d have thought at the start of the season that Manchester United would look better with Bruno Fernandes as a No8 and Kobbie Mainoo at No10? It’s only one game, against a modest team, so we shouldn’t get carried away. But Mainoo’s intelligence, passing ability in tight areas and resting heart rate in the penalty box make him a really interesting option.

Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring the second goal.
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring the second goal. - Ash Donelon/Manchester United

09:31 PM GMT

71 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2

Double substitution for Man Utd Leny Yoro and Casemiro replace Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen.


09:29 PM GMT

Goal!

68 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 2 (Mainoo) Kobbie Mainoo could be Man Utd’s new No10. He’s just scored a lovely goal, sidefooting crisply past Tarnovanu after a neat give and go with Garnacho. Manchester United are going straight to the last 16.


09:27 PM GMT

66 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 1

FCSB substitution Alexandru Baluta comes on for Valentin Cretu.


09:25 PM GMT

63 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 1

Birligea hits the bar! Out of nothing, a stunning long-range shot from Birligea clatters off the underside of the crossbar. Tanase heads the rebound wide, a great chance, though as it turned out he was offside. Birligea’s would have counted though, and it was a spectacular effort.


09:23 PM GMT

62 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 1

Ruben Amorim will be pleased that both wing-backs were involved in the goal. It was also a superb ball from Mainoo, who looks an interesting option at No10.

Diogo Dalot gives Man Utd the lead.
Diogo Dalot gives Man Utd the lead. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

09:21 PM GMT

Goal!

60 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 1 (Dalot) Moments after Bruno Fernandes walloped a long-range shot against the crossbar, Diogo Dalot gives Man Utd the lead. Amad took a quick throw to Mainoo, who drove a brilliant low cross that was turned in at the far post by Dalot.


09:19 PM GMT

59 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Birligea leads an FCSB break but gets carried away and shoots miles wide from 30 yards.


09:17 PM GMT

57 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

FCSB have just dropped to ninth by virtue of Olympiacos taking the lead against Qarabag. The permutations are pretty much endless; the excitement in this game, alas, is not.


09:16 PM GMT

56 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Man Utd are dominating possession, as they did in the first half. The introduction of Amad and Garnacho has given them more pace and dynamism.

Martinez fires a sharp pass into Hojlund, whose shot on the turn from a tight angle is saved comfortably by Tarnovanu.

Man Utd keeper Altay Bayindir finds a novel way to stay awake.
Man Utd keeper Altay Bayindir finds a novel way to stay awake. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

09:14 PM GMT

53 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Man Utd have dropped to fifth in the table, though at this stage they have nothing to worry about in terms of automatic qualification.

Eriksen’s free-kick is headed on and well wide by Martinez, who punches the air in frustration.


09:11 PM GMT

50 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Radunovic wins a corner on the left for FCSB, their first of the game. All three of their goals in the previous Europe League game against Qarabag came from corners. But this time Tanase’s delivery is poor and United clear at the near post.


09:10 PM GMT

48 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Amad is playing at right wing-back, with Garnacho as the left-sided No10. Eriksen and Fernandes are now the No8s.


09:08 PM GMT

47 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Garnacho hits the post! Almost an instant impact from Garnacho, who read a terrible backpass from Alhassan and ran through on goal. He’s normally excellent one on one but this time he sidefooted the ball across Tarnovanu and off the outside of the post.


09:06 PM GMT

46 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Both teams have made half-time substitutions. Man Utd have brought on Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo for Toby Collyer and Tyrell Malacia. FCSB have replaced Malcom Edjouma with Baba Alhassan.


08:49 PM GMT

HT: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Before the game Ruben Amorim implored his Manchester United team to keep the ball. They did that pretty well – but they did very little with the ball against an organised FCSB defence. Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen had half chances; that was about it. At the other Mihai Popescu volleyed fractionally wide, though I suspect any goal would have been ruled out for offside.

As things stand United are in fourth place and will avoid the play-offs. But they still have so much work to do if they are to win this tournament, never mind the Premier League or Champions League in the future.

Christian Eriksen has been unable to unlock the FCSB defence.
Christian Eriksen has been unable to unlock the FCSB defence. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:45 PM GMT

44 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Malacia makes a good run down the left and drives a dangerous ball right across the face of goal. That was crying out for an old-fashioned goalscorer like Gerd Muller to belt it into the net from close range.


08:43 PM GMT

42 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

This is not a good game. It is not a great advert for the Europa League. Manchester United should be far too strong for a team of FCSB’s limited resources and they are dominating the game in terms of possession and territory, but they do not have a goal threat to go with it. It once again raises an uncomfortable question – who on earth decided to spend £72m on Rasmus Hojlund? He is a hard worker, he puts himself about, but he is a centre forward who does not just not score goals, he rarely gets a chance to do so.

Rasmus Hojlund is struggling to find the net.
Rasmus Hojlund is struggling to find the net. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:42 PM GMT

41 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Sut’s excellent crossfield pass is volleyed dangerously across the United area. A brief game of pinball ensues before United clear.

This is a really poor game, at least in terms of creativity.


08:38 PM GMT

36 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

United have plenty of intelligent ball players in the XI – Eriksen, Fernandes, Mainoo – but they haven’t been able to find the eye of the needle. FCSB look very well coached defensively.

Ruben Amorim watches on.
Ruben Amorim watches on. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:36 PM GMT

34 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Look, it’s not a classic. Arsene Wenger’s old phrase, “sterile domination”, is perfect to describe United’s performance so far.


08:31 PM GMT

30 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Martinez’s floated cross from a narrow position is headed straight at the keeper by the backpedalling Hojlund. He did well to pull away from the defender but, though it was an elegant pass from Martinez, there was no pace on the ball and that made it a difficult chance.


08:30 PM GMT

29 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Man Utd have had the only two shots on target so far, Eriksen’s snapshot and Mainoo’s volley. That said, FCSB probably came closest to scoring when Popescu volleyed just wide.

Kobbie Mainoo slices a volley towards goal.
Kobbie Mainoo slices a volley towards goal. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:29 PM GMT

27 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

United produce an intricate passing move on the edge of the area, only for Dalot to overhit his angled ball to the unmarked Eriksen. They are at least dominating possession; the last time I checked they’d had 73 per cent.


08:24 PM GMT

23 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

No real change in the Europa League table yet – as things stand Man Utd are fifth, FCSB eighth.

Rasmus Hojlund is challenged by Siyabonga Ngezana.
Rasmus Hojlund is challenged by Siyabonga Ngezana. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:21 PM GMT

20 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Dawa takes Hojlund out on the edge of the area, a pretty poor challenge all told. Martinez curls a poor free-kick high over the bar.

Rasmus Hojlund is fouled by Joyskim Dawa.
Rasmus Hojlund is fouled by Joyskim Dawa. - ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA

08:20 PM GMT

18 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Chance for Mainoo! United are starting to threaten. Martinez fires a good pass down the inside-left channel to Hojlund, who gets to the byline and screws a deliberate pass to the onrushing Mainoo. He runs onto the ball, 15 yards out, but sidefoots over the bar. It might have taken a bobble.


08:17 PM GMT

16 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Eriksen’s snapshot from 15 yards is beaten away by Tarnovanu. FCSB break and eventually Edjouma smacks a long-range volley into orbit.


08:16 PM GMT

15 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Mainoo makes a terrific run behind Popescu to receive a long pass from Martinez. He lobs the ball neatly over the covering defender Ngezana but it won’t sit down and he slices a volley into the hands of Tarnovanu.


08:15 PM GMT

14 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Man Utd continue to dominate possession, even if most of it is in the middle third for now. Eriksen makes a good run down the right and seems to be fouled near the touchline; the assistant referee disagrees.


08:11 PM GMT

10 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Great chance for FCSB! When the free-kick is eventually taken, Radunovic curls a gorgeous ball to the far post. Popescu, wohb on reflection might have been fractionally offside, stretches to poke a volley across goal and just wide of the far post.


08:09 PM GMT

8 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Malacia is booked for a poor tackle on Tanase, studs into the side of the foot when Tanase nicked the ball away. There’s a break in play while Tanase receives treatment.

Bruno Fernandes pleads with the referee as he shows a yellow card to Tyrell Malacia.
Bruno Fernandes pleads with the referee as he shows a yellow card to Tyrell Malacia. - ROBERT GHEMENT/Shutterstock

08:08 PM GMT

8 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

There is a big crowd, more than 55,000, inside Bucharest’s National Arena but it is not a particularly intimidating one at the moment.

This could be explained by the fact this is not FCSB’s usual home. Imagine Manchester United playing at Wembley and you’ll know what I mean.

Or any other club in the north of England asked to play at the new Manchester United stadium, confidently dubbed the Wembley of the North, before it has been built.


08:07 PM GMT

7 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

No chances yet but United are keeping the ball, as requested by Ruben Amorim.

Tyrell Malacia protects the ball from Valentin Cretu.
Tyrell Malacia protects the ball from Valentin Cretu. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

08:06 PM GMT

5 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Hojlund is fouled 35 yards from goal. Eriksen clips the free-kick to the far post and De Ligt heads wide under pressure.


08:04 PM GMT

3 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

United have started with Bruno Fernandes alongside Toby Collyer and with Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen as the two No10s. That’s a bit of a surprise; I assumed Collyer and Mainoo would be the No8s.


08:02 PM GMT

2 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

The atmosphere is spectacular. The stadium capacity is 55,000 and the match was apparently sold out more than two months ago.


08:01 PM GMT

1 min: FCSB 0 Man Utd 0

Manchester United, in their cream change strip, kick off from left to right as we watch.

The Manchester United team line up before kick off.
The Manchester United team line up before kick off. - Andreea Alexandru/AP

07:55 PM GMT

Five minutes to kick off

It’s too early to say who United’s next opponents might be, whether that’s in the last 16 or the play-off round. But as with last night in the Champions League, by 10pm they will have two or four potential opponents ahead of tomorrow’s draw. (Two if they’re in the play-offs, four if they go straight through to the last 16.)


07:47 PM GMT

A reminder of the teams

FCSB (3-4-2-1) Tarnovanu; Popescu, Ngezana, Dawa; Cretu, Edjouma, Sut, Radunovic; F Tanase, Miculescu; Birligea.

Subs: Udrea, Stefanescu, Popa, Chiriches, Toma, Baluta, Pantea, Musi, Alhassan.

Man Utd (3-4-2-1) Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Collyer, Malacia; Eriksen, Fernandes; Hojlund.

Subs: Heaton, Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Zirkzee, Yoro, Diallo, Garnacho, Casemiro, Ugarte.

Toby Collyer starts in midfield for Manchester United.
Toby Collyer starts in midfield for Manchester United. - Ash Donelon/Manchester United

07:40 PM GMT

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Marcus Rashford last played for Man Utd in mid-December.
Marcus Rashford last played for Man Utd in mid-December. - Ben Roberts/Getty Images

07:38 PM GMT

The stage is set

The National Arena in Bucharest.
The National Arena in Bucharest. - Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images

07:27 PM GMT

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07:15 PM GMT

Amorim looking for signs of progress

Some things I did not know that I have learned today. Bucharest has a population of around five million people and a road network that would struggle to cope with half that number.

There has been gridlock in the city for several hours with people pouring into the city centre for a game that has certainly captured the imagination of the locals.

I can confirm there is a roaring trade in half and half scarves and there seem to be a lot of Romanian Manchester United fans in the home areas of the impressive National Arena.

Steaua Bucharest need a result here to secure a top eight finish and automatic qualification for the Round of 16 in the knockouts.

United, though, have pretty much made sure of their own top eight finish but need a win to be absolutely certain.

As ever, with Manchester United, though there is the pressure to perform.

The Europa League could become the most important competition for Ruben Amorim given their poor league position and he will be looking for more signs of progress being made.

Ruben Amorim arrives at the National Arena.
Ruben Amorim arrives at the National Arena. - Ash Donelon/Manchester United

07:12 PM GMT

Ruben Amorim speaks to TNT Sports

[On making five changes] It’s always a challenge. Garnacho was sick during the week, Amad is on the limit - he has been playing every minute - so we have to try to keep the players fit.

[On the selection of Collyer, Mainoo, Fernandes and Eriksen] We want more possession and they have the quality to do that. We have to be brave, because they are midfielders not strikers, so we have to look for the goal, but they are prepared to win the game.

[How do you quieten the crowd?] Keep the ball. The most important thing is to keep the ball. If we are under pressure we have to understand we can take the time to play our game.

Bruno Fernandes arrives at the National Arena in Bucharest.
Bruno Fernandes arrives at the National Arena in Bucharest. - Ash Donelon/Manchester United

06:55 PM GMT

FCSB team news

The hosts are without Darius Olahu, their captain and leading scorer, who suffered a long-term injury last month. Vlad Chiriches, one of the players Spurs bought with their Gareth Bale winnings in 2013, is among the substitutes.


06:50 PM GMT

Man Utd team news

Ruben Amorim makes five changes to the team that started at Fulham on Sunday. Altay Bayindir, Tyrell Malacia, Toby Collyer, Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen come in for Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho.


06:45 PM GMT

Good evening

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of FCSB v Manchester United in the Europa League. Have you recovered from last night’s Champions League brainbusting drama? Good, because tonight should be equally chaotic. Man Utd know that if they win they will go straight through to the last 16 and avoid the irksome play-off round; anything less and they’ll be staring at the as-it-stands table after the final whistle.

United could finish in the top eight even if they lose in Bucharest. Ruben Amorim is extremely keen to go straight through – not so much to avoid two extra fixtures but to free up more time on the training ground. Despite a slight improvement in results, United are still nowhere near the side he wants them to be.

“It’s massive for us,” says Amorim. “We can have two weeks without any game in the middle of the week, and that in this moment is really important. The first thing is to win the game. We need to improve our performance.”

United will again be without Marcus Rashford, who last played against Viktoria Plzen in mid-December. “Our team should be so much better with Rashford, but he has to change,” says Amorim. “But in this moment I think it’s really clear that we have to set some standards. That’s all. We are waiting for Marcus if he wants (it) really, really bad. That’s the only thing.

“You (the media_ try to make like it is personal. It’s not. I have nothing against Marcus. I just have to make the same rules for everybody, and that, for me, is so simple. It’s always the same answer.”

FCSB start the night in eighth in the Europa League table. While they’ve had some good results, they were also hammered 4-0 away to Rangers. United should have too much for them – but we’ve said that a few times in the past.

Kick off 8pm.

Manchester United fans fly the flag in Bucharest.
Manchester United fans fly the flag in Bucharest. - Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images