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

Manchester United are back in Europa League action tonight, concluding the League Phase with a tricky trip to Bucharest to face FCSB. Ruben Amorim's side are aiming to confirm their place in the last 16 and victory tonight will secure a top eight finish and ensure they avoid a two-legged play-off next month.

A point could be enough but the Red Devils would be relying on results from elsewhere going in their favour. Man Utd are, however, are at least guaranteed a place in the play-offs and they could finish anywhere between second and 12th in the table. FCSB start the night in eighth - the final spot to qualify automatically for the last 16 - so they too need a victory as there are as many as seven teams hoping they slip up.

It promises to be another dramatic night of European football as the first phase of the new-look Europa League format draws to a close. Kick-off at The National Arena is at 8pm GMT, follow all the action from FSCB vs Manchester United LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!

FCSB vs Manchester United latest news

• GOAL! Mainoo adds a second

• GOAL! Dalot puts visitors ahead

• CROSSBAR! Fernandes denied stunning goal

• POST! Garnacho denied opener

Who can Manchester United face in last 16?

22:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Man Utd's progression straight through to the last 16 means they have avoided two extra games next month. The gap in the calendar can be filled with extra training sessions as Amorim plots a successful end to the season.

The last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 21. The first leg of those ties will be played on March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.

As a result of finishing third in the league phase, Man Utd will either face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the 13th and 14th seeds, or the 19th and 20th seeds.

Read the full story here!

Manchester United seal top eight spot in Europa League as Kobbie Mainoo runs the show

22:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Kobbie Mainoo scored one and created the other as the Red Devils beat FCSB 2-0 to finish in the top eight of the Europa League table.

United now progress straight into the last-16 and avoid a two-legged play off.

Read the full story here!

FT: FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Job done for Manchester United as they cruise into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Much better second half display from Ruben Amorim’s side.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

90+4 min: Bruno Fernandes wants a penalty but his claims are dismissed as Man United go close to extending their lead.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

89 min: FCSB are still pushing for a goal but Bayindir keeps out Bîrligea’s header.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

88 min: Great Man United move and it should be 3-0.

Garnacho does well to hold the ball up for Fernandes but the United captain dinks the ball wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

86 min: YELLOW CARD

Dawa is booked for a hefty tackle on Casemiro.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

82 min: FCSB cut Manchester United open, Baluta’s run is not tracked and his effort is beaten away by Bayindir at the near post.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

80 min: Not Rasmus Hojlund’s night, moments after seeing an effort hit the side-netting, he is replaced by Zirkzee.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

77 min: Play stopped as a pitch invader tries to get a selfie with Garnacho.

Double FCSB change follows as Musi and Stefanescu replace Tanase and Miculescu

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

74 min: Worry for Man United as Alejandro Garnacho is down. He looks in some pain as he receives treatment.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

72 min: YELLOW CARD

Baluta catches Dalot late and goes into the book.

FCSB 0-2 Manchester United

21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

71 min: Double change for Man United as Yoro and Casemiro replace Martinez and Eriksen.

GOAL! FCSB 0-2 Manchester United | Kobbie Mainoo '68

21:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

68 min: GOALLL

The provider turns goalscorer as Mainoo turns home Garnacho’s cut back.

Really good finish from the youngster and that should be game over.

FCSB 0-1 Manchester United

21:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

66 min: Change for FCSB as Baluta is on for Cretu.

FCSB 0-1 Manchester United

21:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

63 min: Birligea crashes an effort against the post after being afforded too much space, the ball then falls to Miculescu who heads wide and his blushes are spared by the offside flag.

United then break but Garnacho plays the ball behind Hojlund.

GOAL! FCSB 0-1 Manchester United | Diogo Dalot '60

21:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

60 min: MANCHESTER UNITED LEAD

Quick throw-in taken by Amad, Mainoo in behind the FCSB defence he plays the ball across the face of goal and Dalot has a simple tap-in.

The goal had been coming.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

59 min: CROSSBAR!

Man United have been denied by the woodwork once again as Bruno Fernandes’ effort smashes against the crossbar!

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

58 min: Birligea has been kept largely quiet tonight but he manages to find a yard of space for a shot which doesn’t force Bayindir to break a sweat.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

57 min: Now this is interesting!

FCSB have dropped to ninth in the Europa League standings so they need a win to secure a top eight finish.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

56 min: Man United moving the ball a lot more quicker now, this attack ends with Hojlund shooting straight at Tarnovanu.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

52 min: The Man Utd substitutions has seen Dalot come over to left-wing back with Amad on the opposite flank.

Eriksen floats in a decent free-kick, Martinez gets a touch but can’t help the ball on for De Ligt.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

47 min: Change for FCSB to as Edjouma is replaced by Alhassan.

Almost a dream introduction for Garnacho as he pounces on a loose ball but sees his effort beat the goalkeeper and hit the outside of the post.

So unlucky.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

21:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Back underway at the National Arena.

Garnacho and Amad are on for Malacia and Collyer.

HALF-TIME: FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Goalless at the break in a game with very few chances so far.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45 min: Three minutes of additional time has been signalled.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

43 min: The hosts have shown a bit more ambition in the last five minutes, pushing forward more and giving Man United one or two problems.

At the other end, Malacia delivers a teasing ball across the face of goal and he asks Hojlund why he wasn’t on the end of it.

Fair question.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

40 min: Bayindir is forced to put the ball out of play as he comes under pressure. That has given the home support a little lift and a ball into Man United’s box causes problems but the visitors eventually clear their lines.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

36 min: As things stand, both teams will secure a top eight finish.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

33 min: Sloppy spell from both sides as neither can keep the ball for a sustained period. Mazraoui draws a foul from Miculescu and Man United can build another attack.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

30 min: 69% possession for Man United but apart from a Christian Eriksen snapshot and Rasmus Hojlund’s weak header, they’ve not really forced Tarnovanu into a meaningful save.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

27 min: Man United’s approach play is very good, they’re keeping the ball well, Mainoo and Hojlund are making great runs in behind the FCSB defence.

However, things aren’t clicking in the final third yet.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

24 min: Bruno Fernandes is caught in possession in the middle of the park but FCSB can’t punish the Man United captain’s slight lack in concentration.

The hosts do win a free-kick moments later as Mazraoui fouls Miculescu.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

20 min: Free-kick for Man United in a very promising position.

Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes standing over the ball. The former takes but curls an effort over the bar.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

17 min: Another great Man United move as Hojlund makes a run in behind, cuts the ball back for Mainoo but his side-footed effort flies over the bar.

Very good chance that, the visitors should be ahead.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

15 min: Man United are getting on top now as Eriksen has a snapshot saved before Edjouma blasts one over the bar at the other end.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

14 min: Nice football from Man United. Mainoo makes the run in behind and his picked out, but he can’t get enough power on his shot and Tarnovanu gathers the ball in with Dalot lurking.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

13 min: Man United have just taken the sting out of the game following that chance for Popescu.

Keeping possession, remaining patient without looking too dangerous in the final third.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

10 min: CLOSE

Great delivery from the free-kick, Popescu gets to the ball first but his effort falls just wide of the post.

Huge let off for Man United.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

9 min: Anxious moment for the hosts as Tanase requires treatment following that challenge from Malacia.

The winger is up on his feet now as Man United face a set-piece situation.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

8 min: Man Utd find themselves stretched for the first time as Lisandro Martinez cuts out a pass but Tyrell Malacia is late reacting to the loose ball and his shown a yellow card for his foul on Tanase.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

7 min: Just as Ruben Amorim demanded before kick-off, his Man Utd team are keeping possession.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

5 min: Free-kick to Man United in a good position floated in by Eriksen and met by De Ligt but the Dutchman’s header drops harmlessly wide.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

4 min: A couple of crunching tackles in the middle of the park, one of which involved Toby Collyer who has impressed for Man United of late but this is a whole different test.

FCSB 0-0 Manchester United

20:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

2 min: Man United’s first task will be to get on the ball and quieten the home supporters.

KICK-OFF!

20:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are underway in this Europa League clash.

Here we go!

19:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The two teams have emerged from the tunnel area and out onto the pitch.

Time to hear the Europa League anthem followed by player handshakes, the customary team photos and then kick-off.

Hojlund leads the line

19:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Rasmus Hojlund has struggled for goals in the Premier League this season, but that’s not the case in the Europa League.

The Denmark international has netted five times in seven appearances so far, including a brace against Viktoria Plzen last month.

Not long now!

19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Less than 15 minutes to go until kick-off at the National Arena!

As it stands

19:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

So, it’s very simple for Manchester United tonight.

A win tonight secures a top eight finish which means a two-legged play-off is avoided.

A draw could be enough but a defeat would leave the Red Devils sweating on results from elsewhere.

Around the grounds

19:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

It’s a truly monumental night in the Europe League.

18 fixtures all being played on the same night, at the same time...

Ajax vs Galatasaray

Athletic Club vs Viktoria Plzen

Dynamo Kyiv vs Rigas FS

Midtjylland vs Fenerbahçe

FCSB vs Manchester United

Ferencvárosi vs AZ

Lyon vs Ludogorets

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Porto

Nice vs Bodø/Glimt

Olympiakos vs Qarabag

Anderlecht vs Hoffenheim

Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise

Real Sociedad vs PAOK

Roma vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Slavia Prague vs Malmö

Braga vs Lazio

Tottenham vs Elfsborg

Twente vs Besiktas

Man Utd in Europe

19:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Unlike their form in the Premier League so far this season, Manchester United have been consistent in Europe.

Unbeaten in the League Phase, they’ve won their last four matches in a row to sit fourth in the table ahead of kick-off.

Miculescu warning

19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

David Miculescu starts for the hosts tonight and Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has already earmarked the FCSB striker as a potential dangerman.

“Without so much possession, they can score from set-pieces, with one striker who is really fast in transition. [David] Miculescu, left foot, is really strong,” he told reporters.

“The two centre-backs are very strong on duels and the two full-backs go up and down until the 90 minutes. We'll be prepared for that, I'm sure my team are prepared to fight for the win."

Garnacho worry

19:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ruben Amorim has explained why Alejandro Garnacho and Amad are only on the bench for Man Utd tonight.

"Some players like Garnacho was sick during the week and Amad was on the limit, he is playing every minute so we have to try to keep the players fit and the other ones are prepared to win the game,” he told TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.

Manchester United dressing room

19:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Behind the scenes at the National Arena as the Manchester United dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off.

Man Utd changes

19:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ruben Amorim has made five changes to the Man Utd side that faced Fulham on Sunday.

We have already mentioned Altay Bayindir replacing Andre Onana, but elsewhere Tyrell Malacia comes in at wing-back, Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo start in central midfield and Christian Eriksen replaces Amad further forward.

Video: Man Utd squad arrive at the stadium

19:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The Man Utd players are in the building for tonight’s Europa League clash...

Huge chance for Bayindir

19:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Altay Bayindir has a big opportunity tonight. The goalkeeper was excellent in the FA Cup third round penalty shootout win over Arsenal earlier in the month and he starts tonight.

FCSB XI

18:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Lining up for the hosts...

FCSB XI: Tarnovanu, Mihai Popescu, Ngezana, Dawa, Cretu, Edjouma, Sut, Radunovic, Tanase, Birligea, Miculescu

Subs: Udrea, Stefanescu, Daniel Popa, Chiriches, Toma, Baluta, Pantea, Musi, Alhassan

Man Utd team in full

18:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Collyer, Malacia; Fernandes (c), Eriksen; Hojlund

Subs: Heaton, Onana, Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro, Casemiro, Ugarte, Amad, Garnacho, Zirkzee

Confirmed Man Utd XI

18:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Here is the Man Utd team Ruben Amorim has selected to face FCSB...

Team news imminent

18:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.

Below is a reminder of the Man Utd squad that Ruben Amorim has named for tonight...

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.

Team news hints?

18:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ahead of tonight's clash, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Amad and Altay Bayindir have all taken to social media to post a pre-match graphic preview.

Does this mean all four are in contention to start?

Find out shortly...

Europa League draw details

18:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Manchester United are looking to seal their place in the last-16 of the Europa League tonight.

Currently in the top eight of the standings heading into the final round of fixtures, they will skip the knockout play-off round should they stay there.

If not, a two-legged play-off tie awaits next month and the draw for that round takes place tomorrow.

Click here for all the details!

Transfer news

18:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven is closing in on a move to Manchester United.

Heaven is currently on scholarship terms at Arsenal and they are set to expire at the end of this season.

The 18-year-old has been offered a professional contract by Arsenal, but he is set to join United.

Read the full story here!

Setting the stage

18:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Manchester United have arrived at the National Arena ahead of tonight’s huge Europa League showdown...

Predicted Manchester United XI

18:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ruben Amorim could hand another start to second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, while Tyrell Malacia is also pushing for more minutes.

Toby Collyer's growing reputation could see him get the nod in Romania.

Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Collyer, Mainoo, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund

Amorim makes Rashford demand

18:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ruben Amorim says Marcus Rashford "has to change" before returning to action for Manchester United.

"Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him - but he has to change," Amorim said on Wednesday. "If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] - and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

"You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.

"We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third."

Amorim targets three points

18:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ruben Amorim has stressed the importance of a Manchester United win tonight.

Should the Red Devils leave Romania with all three points it will mean a top eight finish has been secured and therefore an Europa League play-off has been avoided.

The incentive of not having to play two extra games next month is something Amorim is taking very seriously.

"It's always important, just the feeling of winning," he told reporters yesterday. "It's really important when you have the situation of the play-offs. It's massive for us as we can clear one, two weeks without any game in the middle of the week.

“That is really important in this moment. Like I've said, the first thing is win the game and we need to improve the performance. We need to see our players perform to understand in each position they are better to play.

“So we have a lot to improve and we have to use every game and every training to see that."

FCSB vs Manchester United match odds

18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

FCSB to win: 7/2

Draw: 11/5

Manchester United to win: 4/7

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

FCSB vs Manchester United: Head to head (h2h) history and results

17:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

This is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Standard Sport prediction

17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

United have been far from convincing this season but their record on the road in Europe is noteworthy, having won four and drawn two of their last six in the Europa League.

That experience will be needed in Romania for what is expected to be a hard-fought clash in difficult circumstances, with the hosts likely to make the game as uncomfortable as possible. United have enough about them to earn a win, but FCSB cannot be ruled out at home.

FCSB 1-1 Man Utd

Manchester United team news

17:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Marcus Rashford has been left out of the Manchester United squad that has travelled to Romania.

Luke Shaw has also been left at home despite his recent return to training but Manuel Ugarte has been included despite picking up a knock in United’s win over Fulham.

FCSB team news

17:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

FCSB hope to have former Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches available after the veteran missed the last three games through injury. Sriker Darius Olaru remains sidelined.

Where to watch FCSB vs Manchester United

17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports.

Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Welcome

17:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of FCSB vs Manchester United.

Both teams are already guaranteed a Europa League play-off place, at the very least, but tonight is about securing a place in the last 16 and therefore avoiding two extra games next month.

A win for either side will be enough for a top-eight finish, whilst a point could be enough for the Red Devils.

What a night potentially in store for us! Kick-off from the National Arena is at 8pm GMT.

Stay tuned for all the build-up.