FCSB vs Manchester United as it happened: Kobbie Mainoo shines as Red Devils avoid Europa League play-off | OneFootball

The Red Devils finish third in the League Phase

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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.