Manchester United down FCSB 2-0 in Europa League: Key stats
What's the story
Manchester United earned a decisive 2-0 win over FCSB in matchweek 8 of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League season.
Ruben Amorim's men scored both their goals in the 2nd half. Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo came to the rescue for visiting United in Bucharest.
The win helped United finish third in the 36-team table, helping them book a berth in the round of 16.
1st half
United the better side in the 1st half
Octavian Popescu missed an early chance for the hosts, volleying wide from close range following a free-kick.
Mainoo and Christian Eriksen the tested the home goalkeeper. Thereafter, Rasmus Hojlund's brilliant cut-back saw Mainoo miss a big chance.
United controlled the half and kept possession.
Later in the half, Hojlund's header from Lautaro Martinez's lofted ball was straight to the keeper.
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Match stats from the first half
United managed six attempts compared to two from FCSB. The Red Devils had three shots on target with the hosts unable to clock any. United had 10 touches in the oppositon box with FCSB managing 7. Amorim's side had 69% ball possession.
2nd half
What happened in the 2nd half?
Substitute Alejandro Garnacho missed a glorious chance after a woeful back-pass came straight to him. He hit the post.
Hojlund then shot straight at the keeper before Bruno Fernandes hit the post from distance.
A minute later, Mainoo set up Dalot for the opener.
Eight minutes later, Garnacho's assist saw Mainoo score the 2nd.
Both sides had chances in a lively tie thereafter.
Mainoo
Mainoo joins Rooney in elite list for United
As per Opta, Mainoo is the first Manchester United player to score and assist a goal on his first major European start since Wayne Rooney in September 2004 against Fenerbahce.
Mainoo scored just his 6th goal for United and a maiden one this season. He registered his 2nd assist for the club.
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Garnacho owns 15 assists for United
Garnacho is now involved in 14 goals for United this season across competitions. He clocked his sixth assist in addition to owning 8 goals. Overall, this was his 15th assist for the club.
Details
Match stats and United's possible next opponents
United managed 19 attempts compared to eight from FCSB. The Red Devils had 7 shots on target with the hosts clocking three.
United had 34 touches in the oppositon box with FCSB managing 11. Amorim's side had 70% ball possession.
As per Sky Sports, United are set to play one of Midtjylland, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad or Galatasaray in the last-16.
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Unbeaten United finish third in the standings
After 8 matches, United finished with 18 points. They earned five straight wins after three successive draws. United are the only side to remain unbeaten in this season's Europa League. Meanwhile, Lazio and Athletic Club finished above United.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
And breathe! 🥵#UEL pic.twitter.com/jWoQn3I0RW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2025