FCSB 0-2 Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo inspires Ruben Amorim's side to win

Manchester United directly advanced to the Round of 16 in the Europa League, with Kobbie Mainoo contributing one goal and one assist to help the team defeat FCSB away. The first 60 minutes in Bucharest were rather dull, before Mainoo's low cross found the unmarked full-back Diogo Dalot at the far post, who easily slotted home to open the scoring for Manchester United.

Eight minutes later, the English midfielder also got on the scoresheet, receiving a pass back from Alejandro Garnacho and easily shooting into the net. Manager Amorim chose to play Mainoo in a more advanced position, and the midfielder repaid the manager's trust with his first goal of the season. Notably, his last goal was in Manchester United's FA Cup final victory last season.

"I enjoyed the game," said the 19-year-old Mainoo in a post-match interview with TNT Sports. "I'm happy to be able to play for Manchester United." Manchester United finished the group stage in third place, and they will face either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or Midtjylland in the Round of 16 in March. They avoided the two-legged play-off in February, which Amorim said after the match was "very important" as it would allow his players more time to train and "build connections."

Amorim's substitutions changed the course of the game. After a relatively flat first-half performance, Manchester United began to exert their dominance in the second half. Amorim rested attackers Amad Diallo and Garnacho in the first half, but replaced left-back Tyrell Malacia and defensive midfielder Toby Collyer with them at half-time. Just one minute and twenty seconds later, Garnacho had a one-on-one opportunity after a defensive error, but his shot hit the post. Garnacho and Diallo's presence on the flanks made the Red Devils look more threatening, and Bruno Fernandes soon found enough space to hit the crossbar with a long-range shot.

As the away team pushed forward through their full-backs, FCSB's defense began to collapse. Dalot was in the right place at the right time to meet Mainoo's 60th-minute cross and easily score. Manchester United's second goal also came from excellent wing play, with Garnacho breaking to the byline before setting up the young Mainoo. Out-of-favor midfielder Casemiro came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, his first appearance for Manchester United since December 30th. FCSB also had chances, with Daniel Birligea hitting the crossbar shortly after Manchester United opened the scoring. Mihai Popescu also came close to heading in Risto Radunovic's cross from a wide free-kick in the first half. But these attacks were only sporadic attempts. Manchester United were in control of the match throughout and are the only undefeated team in this competition where the winner qualifies for the Champions League.