Manchester United booked their place in the last-16 of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FCSB.
Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo proved the difference as the Red Devils controlled proceedings against their Romanian hosts.
The first half was a cagey affair, with United dominating possession but struggling to break down a well-organised FCSB defence.
The visitors fashioned a few decent openings, with Rasmus Hojlund testing goalkeeper Tarnovanu and Christian Eriksen firing a half-volley straight at the shot-stopper.
However, it was FCSB who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Popescu met Radunovic’s cross with a sliding volley, only to see his effort roll agonisingly wide of the far post.
United ramped up the pressure after the break, introducing Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo to inject some much-needed attacking spark.
⏹️ Job done in Bucharest — well played, lads! 🫡#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 30, 2025
Within minutes, Garnacho was inches away from scoring, pouncing on a loose back-pass before seeing his low shot clip the post and roll behind.
Moments later, Bruno Fernandes rattled the crossbar with a stunning long-range strike.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 60th minute. Diallo took a quick throw-in to Mainoo, who spun smartly and whipped a dangerous ball across goal. Dalot arrived at the back post to slot home, giving United the lead.
FCSB nearly hit back in spectacular fashion, with Birligea’s curling effort beating United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir but crashing off the crossbar.
Mainoo then sealed the victory in the 68th minute with a well-taken goal. The young midfielder started the move, spreading the ball wide to Garnacho before ghosting into the box to meet the Argentine’s cutback. With composure beyond his years, he slotted the ball past Tarnovanu, securing all three points for United.
Despite late efforts from FCSB, including a glancing header from Birligea that was well saved by Bayindir, the visitors comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
With this victory, Manchester United extend their unbeaten run in Europa League group-stage away fixtures to seven matches. The Red Devils now look ahead to the knockout stages, with confidence growing as they chase European silverware.