Manchester United qualified for the UEFA Europa League Last 16 after defeating Siyabonga Ngezana's FCSB 2-0 on Thursday night.
UEFA Champions League
Result: FCSB 0-2 Manchester United
Date: 30 January 2025
Venue: Arena Nationala
Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana was named in the starting line-up for the hosts, while United rang the changes by recalling Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Noussair Mazraoui and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The Red Devils dominated possession in the early stages but had to wait until the 14th minute for their first chance Mainoo skipped past Ngezana in the box but saw his volley saved by Stefan Tarnovan.
That proved to be the trend for most of the first half as United carved out another chance on 30 minutes when Lisandro Martinez did well to pick out Hojlund, who saw his header saved.
The Romanian side, meanwhile, only saw a bit of the ball in the latter stages of the first half but they did not do enough to trouble Bayindir between the sticks for United.
Coach Ruben Amorim introduced Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo after the break and they nearly went ahead two minutes in, but the former hit the upright with only Tarnovan to beat in the box.
United eventually got their reward in the 59th minute when Eriksen slipped in Mainoo, who then turned provider to pick out full-back Diogo Dalot slot home from three yards out.
The lead was doubled ten minutes later as Garnacho turned provider this time by racing to the byline before pulling the ball back for Mainoo, who calmly slotted into the far corner.
Mainoo's goal was enough to knock the win out of FCSB's sail as the Red Devils finish third on the table and qualify directly to the round of 16, while the Romanians will have to go through the play-offs.
