MANCHESTER United advanced straight to the Europa League last 16 as Kobbie Mainoo scored one and assisted another to help Ruben Amorim’s side to a narrow win at FCSB.
After a relatively drab first 60 minutes Mainoo’s low pass found wing-back Diogo Dalot, who was unmarked at the back post to comfortably tap United ahead.
Eight minutes later the England midfielder got on to the scoresheet by side-footing home Alejandro Garnacho’s cut-back.
Amorim opted to start Mainoo in a more advanced position and the midfielder rewarded the Portuguese’s call by scoring his first goal of the season, having not hit the net since United’s win in last season’s FA Cup final.
United finished the match strongly, ending the competition’s league phase in third, and will play their last-16 ties in March.
They avoid a two-legged play-off round in February, which before the match Amorim said “would be massive” for resting players.
Manchester United turned things on after the restart having played out a largely forgettable first half.
Amorim had been resting attackers Amad Diallo and Garnacho but bought the pair on at half-time for left wing-back Tyrell Malacia and defensive midfielder Toby Collyer.
One minute and 20 seconds later Garnacho hit the post after a defensive mix-up allowed him through on goal.
The Red Devils looked much stronger with Garnacho and Diallo in the wide positions and Bruno Fernandes was soon able to find enough space to rattle a long-range strike from distance against the crossbar.
As the visitors pushed forward through their wing-backs, FCSB’s defence crumbled. An overlapping Dalot was in the right place at the right time to tap in Mainoo’s 60th-minute cross.
United’s second goal also came from fine wide play as Garnacho reached the byeline before putting things on a plate for 19-year-old Mainoo.
FCSB had opportunities, rattling the crossbar through Daniel Birligea moments after United’s opener.
Mihai Popescu also almost turned in Risto Radunovic’s wide free-kick in the first half.
But those attacks were rarities. United always looked in control and, in a competition where the winner gets a Champions League spot, are the only side still unbeaten.
