It was a mission accomplished for Manchester United in Bucharest as the English giants defeated FCSB 2-0 in the Europa League at the National Arena and secured qualification to the last-16.
After an uneventful first half, Diogo Dalot opened the scoring on the hour mark – converting Kobbie Mainoo’s ball across goal to give United the lead.
Mainoo doubled the advantage just eight minutes later, placing a lovely low strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu – having been teed up by substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
The visitors, in truth, could have had a glut of goals if they were a little more clinical, and 2-0 was not really a fair reflection on proceedings.
With much to reflect upon, here are our five talking points.
Mainoo shines in the No.10 role
The England youngster enjoyed a productive evening alongside Christian Eriksen in a more advanced position.
He grew into the game, setting up one and scoring another and was pivotal to United’s victory.
The Stockport native almost bagged the opening goal in the first half but drove his effort over the bar. However, he would make no mistake when side-footing home United’s second of the evening.
Mainoo’s footwork and link play were excellent, and it will be intriguing to see if Ruben Amorim chooses to play him in this role more often.
Garnacho proves his worth off the bench
Alejandro Garnacho was introduced as a half-time substitute in place of Tyrell Malacia, and the Argentina winger had the desired impact as his direct running gave the hosts no end of problems.
The 20-year-old has been the subject of much transfer speculation this January, with Napoli and Chelsea both interested in signing the former Atletico Madrid youth player.
He claimed an assist for the second goal and demonstrated his capabilities with a fine display.
Hopefully, United retain the talented wide man.
Manchester United secure last-16 spot
It was never really in doubt at any point on Thursday night, but now it’s official that United will be in the last-16 of the Europa League and avoid the play-off stage.
It will be important for Amorim and his squad to have avoided an extra round as it lessens the game load on his players and provides ample time on the training pitch to try and perfect his ideas.
It was an assured performance in Romania, especially in the second period, where his side were dominant.
The Reds will learn who their opponents will be for the knockouts in Friday’s draw, which takes place at Midday GMT.
Martinez is getting back to his best
The Argentinian did not have the best of starts to the season under Erik ten Hag and struggled initially to get to grips with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
However, he has grown into the role in recent weeks. Martinez looks more confident defensively and has added an attacking threat to his game.
The extra centre-back has given the 27-year-old more freedom to venture forward, and he has already notched two goals this month alone.
It was another assured showing in Bucharest, and he played some good passes behind the Romanian’s back-line with that accurate left foot of his.
United fans will be delighted to see ‘the Butcher’ return to something close to his best and will hope this form can continue.
Malacia is off the pace
The first-half on Thursday night wasn’t anywhere near as good as the second from a United perspective, and one of the players who struggled most was Tyrell Malacia.
Looking something of a weak link in the side, the Dutchman was booked for a foul on an opponent early on in the contest.
Amorim subbed Malacia off at half-time and switched Dalot to the opposite side – with Amad slotting into the right wing-back position. This tweak immediately had a positive impact as United looked far more of a threat.
With Lecce’s Danish defender Patrick Dorgu on the brink of signing for the 20-time English champions – pending a medical – his arrival cannot come soon enough for Amorim.
If and when the 20-year-old completes his move to Old Trafford, it could be a game-changer for the Red Devils, as they have been crying out for a specialist option in the left wing-back role.
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s victory in Romania on Thursday night?
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